Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

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Treatment of OSA

Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a prevalent but under-diagnosed disease. The importance of screening for OSA in every child has recently been re-emphasized by the American Academy of Pediatrics Guidelines.

OSA is a medical condition that is diagnosed by a medical doctor, but can be treated by a dentist with advanced understanding and training of this life threatening breathing disorder. Working with a Sleep Physician, ENT and others is necessary in treating OSA. Adult therapies for the management of OSA are not suitable for children. Therapies such as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) have been known to arrest skeletal development of the growing child. The good news is, children are still in developmental stages and when identified with Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders, orthopedic development can provide long term successful results. Proper diagnosis and communication between medical and dental providers are key to the success of the treatment.

Symptoms of Childhood OSA

  • Snoring
  • Mouth breathing
  • Restlessness during sleep
  • Sleeping in odd positions
  • Periods of not breathing
  • Night terrors
  • Mood changes
  • Poor concentration
  • Bed Wetting
  • Headaches
  • Frequent infections

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