Sleep apnea in children

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common condition where the airway becomes obstructed during sleep, causing the individual to partial awaken in order to begin breathing again. This condition is not just seen in overweight adults, but also is found in other individuals, including children. Large tonsils and adenoids are a common cause in children, with the characteristic gasping between episodes of snoring and labored breathing (see video). Sleep apnea in children commonly leads to daytime fatigue and irritability, and has been associated with bed wetting. Treatment generally consists of surgically removing the tonsils and adenoids, which provides dramatic and immediate relief…..Richard R Samuel, MD Family Practice and Urgent Care Hayden, ID USA