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Obstructive sleep apnoea probably related to a foreign body
Insights
A foreign body caused sudden obstructive sleep apnea in a child. Surgical removal led to complete recovery, highlighting the need to consider foreign bodies in such cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Otolaryngology
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children can have various causes, including anatomical abnormalities.
- Sudden onset of OSA symptoms warrants a thorough investigation into potential underlying factors.
Observation:
- A 2-year-old child presented with acute obstructive sleep apnea symptoms.
- Physical examination noted slightly enlarged tonsils.
- Polysomnography revealed 150 obstructive apneic episodes during 8 hours of sleep.
Findings:
- Surgical exploration identified a cellophane candy wrapper piece as a foreign body in the airway.
- Removal of the foreign body, adenoids, and tonsils resulted in complete resolution of symptoms.
- Follow-up polysomnography 4 months post-surgery showed normal sleep patterns.
Implications:
- Foreign bodies should be considered as a potential cause of sudden-onset obstructive sleep apnea in pediatric patients.
- Prompt diagnosis and removal of airway foreign bodies can lead to full recovery from sleep-disordered breathing.
- This case underscores the importance of considering unusual etiologies in pediatric obstructive sleep apnea.
Abstract:
A 2-year-old child was admitted because of sudden onset of symptoms compatible with obstructive sleep apnoea. Physical examination revealed slightly hypertrophic tonsils. A polygraphic study showed 150 apnoeic episodes of obstructive type during 8 h night sleep. A foreign body consisting of a piece of a celophane candy wrapper was found by surgery. Removal of the foreign body, the adenoids and tonsils resulted in a complete recovery. A second polygraphic study performed 4 months after surgery gave entirely normal results. A foreign body should be considered in the aetiology of obstructive sleep apnoea of sudden onset in children.