What are the Causes of Infant Sleep Apnea?
Scientists still have not come up with a concrete explanation of why sleep apnea happens in some infants while it may not affect other babies. However, they have attributed a number of factors as the possible causes of infant sleep apnea. These factors include: • blockage of the airways, which may be caused by a relaxed tongue or by enlarged tonsils and adenoids • congenital conditions such as Down Syndrome • birth defects including abnormalities in facial characteristics (i.e, cleft palate and receding chin) • weight problems • gastroesophogeal reflux • low blood and sugar • internal bleeding in the brain during delivery Allergies and medical conditions such as asthma and other respiratory problems may cause enlarged tonsils and may therefore, also become causes of sleep apnea in babies. Dangers Associated with Infant Sleep Apnea Infant sleep apnea can put babies at risk when not immediately detected and given medical attention. Prolonged pauses in breathing can deprive the brain of o
