What Causes Sleep Apnea in Children?
In children, the cause of sleep apnea is usually large adenoids and large tonsils, though it is important to note that the severity of sleep apnea is not related to the size of the adenoids and tonsils. Some children with relatively small tonsils can have severe OSA, while other children with large tonsils can have very mild OSA or none at all. Sometimes tonsils and adenoids can be temporarily enlarged as a result of an allergy or infection. If the problem does not resolve when appropriate treatment is given for allergy problems or an infection, pediatric OSA should be considered.
