Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea in Chicago, Illinois, is a condition in which a child’s breathing is partially or completely blocked while they sleep, preventing them from getting the oxygen and rest their growing body needs. This blockage occurs when the airway narrows or becomes obstructed during sleep, often leading to fragmented rest and potential long-term health effects if left untreated. While commonly associated with adults, sleep apnea can significantly affect children’s physical health, behavior and development.
Causes & Risk Factors
In children, obstructive sleep apnea is most often caused by enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Other factors such as childhood obesity, chronic nasal allergies, craniofacial abnormalities or medical conditions like Down syndrome or cerebral palsy can also increase the likelihood of developing this disorder. A family history of sleep apnea may further elevate your child’s risk.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Common signs of pediatric sleep apnea include:
- Frequent snoring
- Pauses in breathing
- Mouth breathing
- Restless sleep
- Night sweats
- Episodes of coughing or choking during the night
Some children may also experience bed wetting, night terrors or morning headaches. Beyond nighttime symptoms, untreated sleep apnea can affect daytime behavior, causing irritability, difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity and poor academic performance. If you notice these signs, it is important to have your child evaluated promptly.
Treatment Options
Treatment recommendations will depend on your child’s age, overall health, the severity of their symptoms, and the underlying cause of the airway obstruction. For many children, surgical removal of enlarged tonsils and adenoids can be highly effective. In other cases, our dentist or healthcare provider may recommend an oral appliance, such as a custom night guard, to reposition the jaw and keep the airway open.
Orthodontic solutions like palatal expanders or other maxillary expansion devices can help widen the upper jaw and improve airflow. Myofunctional therapy, which involves targeted exercises for the tongue and throat muscles, can also promote better breathing patterns. For children with obesity-related sleep apnea, a weight management plan may be recommended. In certain cases, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy or allergy treatment may be necessary.
The Importance of Early Intervention
Addressing pediatric sleep apnea early can make a profound difference in your child’s quality of life. Proper treatment can restore restful sleep, support healthy growth and development, and improve mood, concentration and school performance. Left untreated, this condition may contribute to cardiovascular issues, developmental delays or ongoing behavioral challenges.
If you suspect that your child may have sleep apnea, we encourage you to call The Dental Suite at 773-647-1093 and schedule an evaluation with Dr. Chris Isabelle. Our dentist and team work closely with medical specialists to determine the most effective pediatric sleep apnea treatment in Chicago, IL, helping your child breathe better, sleep soundly and thrive in all areas of life.