Pointing out that sleep apnea, which varies from simple snoring to obstructive breathing, can cause different problems for children, Otorhinolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Ziya Bozkurt warned. Underlining that children who wet the bed and snore at least 3 days a week, attention should be paid to Op. Dr. Bozkurt explained that the treatment was done according to the underlying cause.

Stating that excess weight, adenoid, tonsil size, allergic rhinitis, disorders in the face and skull bones and deterioration in muscle tissue can cause sleep apnea, Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Ziya Bozkurt made important statements. Emphasizing that sleep apnea or sleep disorders are a disease group that can be followed in a wide framework, Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital ENT Diseases, Head and Neck Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Ziya Bozkurt said that according to studies, the disease is seen in children at a rate of 1-6 percent.

More Common in Premature Babies

Stating that sleep apnea can give symptoms with a simple snoring, Op. Dr. Bozkurt said, “In general, snoring can be seen in 3 to 12 percent of children. Sleep apnea is more common in premature babies. This is due to both poor control and smaller size of the respiratory system. The risk decreases especially when these children catch their own age group," he said.

Beware of Habitual Snoring

Stating that sleep apnea caused by adenoid and tonsil enlargement is more common in children between the ages of 3 and 6, Op. Dr. Ziya Bozkurt stated that attention should be paid to snoring that has become a habit and continued his words as follows:

“If a child is snoring more than 3 days a week and the family notices it, it should be evaluated in terms of sleep apnea. Apart from this, difficulty in breathing while sleeping is a situation that needs attention. Apnea is short-term pauses in breathing during sleep. In such a case, the child should be evaluated for sleep apnea. If a child prefers to sleep more sitting up or with his head and neck thrown back, or if there is a sleepiness during the day, sleep apnea should be considered.”

It is Different in Adults

Stating that the sleep apnea conditions of adults and children are different from each other, Op. Dr. Bozkurt said: “We see depression and heart problems, rhythm disorders, coronary artery diseases and hypertension in adults due to sleep apnea,”.

May Cause Developmental Retardation

Opr. Dr. Ziya Bozkurt stated that sleep apnea can cause developmental delay in children and said:

“Developmental delays and especially distractions in children can be observed, and accordingly, a decrease in school success can be observed. Especially in children, conditions such as behavioral disorders and hyperactivity can be seen. Bedwetting, which is very common in the community, may also be related to sleep apnea. Recent studies have revealed some effects on blood pressure and heart, as well as respiratory diseases. Particular attention should be paid to bottom wetting. In some cases, we can see that bedwetting improves after adenoid surgeries. Therefore, it is useful to have an ear, nose and throat examination in patients with such conditions.

Treatment Is Shaped According to the Underlying Cause

Emphasizing that the treatment of sleep apnea is based on its causes, Otorhinolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Ziya Bozkurt said, “If there is an obstructive reason, sleep apnea can also improve with adenoid and tonsil surgery. If weight is a problem and this causes sleep apnea, then we recommend that the child lose weight. In the interim period, we recommend using a positive pressure device to overcome the problems caused by sleep apnea. When it falls below a certain body mass index, sleep apnea can also improve if it is related to it. When it is completely related to neurological and muscle diseases, related treatments may need to be regulated. As a result, if the root cause can be eliminated, sleep apnea can be cured.

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