What types of sleep disordered breathing are seen in children?
The types of sleep disordered breathing most often found in children are: • Obstructive sleep apnea • Central sleep apnea • Upper airway resistance syndrome • Simple snoring • Apnea of infancy • Obstructive hypoventilation The frequency of each disorder is dependent on the age of the child. • The newborn and infant: During fetal development (before birth) your child’s brain slowly matures to a point that it can orchestrate control of breathing. However, it is sometimes the case that the brain does not mature fast enough and control of breathing is not ideal. The result is apnea of infancy. This manifests as pauses in breathing that can be accompanied by drops in blood oxygen levels. This process may go on for several years following birth in some children. If you notice your infant or young child experiencing prolonged pauses in breathing, consultation with a sleep specialist can clarify if there is anything to be concerned about. If apnea of infancy is discovered, additional workup ma
