Understanding Pediatric Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB)

Understanding Pediatric Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB)

By admin February 24th
A good night’s sleep is important for people of all ages, but children need deep, restorative sleep even more so than adults because sleep directly impacts mental and physical development as they grow. However, many children experience some sort of breathing difficulties during sleep which disturbs normal sleep patterns. This is known as pediatric Sleep-Disordered Breathing (SDB). About 10% of children snore regularly, and about 2-4% of children suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a type of Sleep-Disordered Breathing where part or all of the airway is blocked repeatedly during sleep.

One of the key ingredients of a good night’s sleep is normal, unrestricted breathing patterns. When the airways are blocked during sleep, the body thinks that you are choking. This causes the heart rate to increase, blood pressure rises, and the brain is aroused as the person is stirred awake, even if they are still half asleep. This disruption in sleep keeps the body from entering the restorative stages of sleep and can happen several, sometimes dozens of times a night.

What Are Some Symptoms of Pediatric SDB?

A common cause of airway restrictions contributing to pediatric SDB is enlarged tonsils and adenoids. Children who are overweight or have lower jaw or tongue abnormalities are also at higher risk of developing SDB. Pediatric SDB can cause several behavioral and physical health issues, including:
- Loud, frequent snoring
- Irritability
- Tiredness/Fatigue during the day
- Insomnia
- Attention Deficit Disorders and other learning difficulties (Inattentiveness, disruptive behavior in school, etc.)
- Slow growth – it has been suggested that children with SDB may not produce enough growth hormone, resulting in abnormally slow growth and development
- Obesity – it has also been suggested that SDB may cause the body to have increased resistance to insulin
- Cardiovascular difficulties
- Bedwetting
How is Pediatric SDB Diagnosed?

If your child has been suffering from any of these symptoms, be sure to schedule a consultation with Dr. Paquette. He is qualified to help diagnose and recommend the right approach for your child’s treatment if treatment is indicated. Diagnosis may involve a scan for obstructions in the airways which we can do at our office, or a sleep study in more severe cases. Orthodontists are in a unique position to identify pediatric SDB due to their expertise in facial growth and development and with his dual certifications in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, Dr. Paquette has great insight and experience in identifying SDB and treating children who suffer from SDB.

For more information on dental sleep medicine, click here.

If you feel that your child may be suffering from pediatric Sleep-Disordered Breathing, there is no need to worry. Dr. Paquette and his team at Paquette Orthodontics have the training and experience to help identify sleep-disordered breathing and can come up with the best treatment plan for your child. Give us a call at (704) 700-3777 today or schedule a free consultation to help your child get a better night’s sleep and ensure they will grow and develop to their maximum potential.
Previous Next

Blog