Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) interrupts sleep and can make the body’s oxygen levels fall or carbon dioxide levels rise. This can make kids miss out on healthy, restful sleep. Untreated obstructive sleep apnea can lead to learning, behavior, growth, and heart problems.
Can sleep apnea cause sudden death?
Although uncommon, it is possible to die during sleep from untreated obstructive sleep apnea. Observational research has found that OSA increases a person’s risk of sudden death. This risk is believed to be higher in people of older age, in people with a critical illness, and in people with severe OSA.
What is the average age of death for sleep apnea?
What is the life expectancy of someone with sleep apnea? The life expectancy of a patient with sleep apnea who is under 50 years old is between 8 and 18 years. If patients receive the treatment they are likely to live longer, with fewer excess health complications than those who do not receive treatment.
What do I do if my child has sleep apnea?
Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea often is treated with positive airway pressure therapy when medicines or removal of adenoids and tonsils aren’t effective. Proper fitting of the mask and refitting as the child grows can help the child tolerate the mask over the face.
Should I be worried if my child has sleep apnea Related Questions
Can sleep apnea be cured?
Is There a Cure for Sleep Apnea? While there is no cure for sleep apnea, studies show that certain lifestyle factors can reverse or make your sleep apnea less intense. Other treatment or surgical options can also reverse the condition. Sleep apnea happens when your upper airway muscles relax while you sleep.
What causes sleep apnea in kids?
The most common cause of sleep apnea in children is enlarged tonsils and adenoids (large relative to the child’s airway) that block the airway and obstruct breathing during sleep. During the daytime, muscles in the head and neck more easily keep the airway passages open.
What is the danger zone for sleep apnea?
Severe obstructive sleep apnea means that your AHI is greater than 30 (more than 30 episodes per hour) Moderate obstructive sleep apnea means that your AHI is between 15 and 30. Mild obstructive sleep apnea means that your AHI is between 5 and 15.
How do you fix sleep apnea naturally?
Maintain a healthy weight. Doctors commonly recommend people with sleep apnea to lose weight. Try yoga. Regular exercise can increase your energy level, strengthen your heart, and improve sleep apnea. Alter your sleep position. Use a humidifier. Avoid alcohol and smoking. Use oral appliances.
Can you live a long life with sleep apnea?
If left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea can shorten your life from anywhere between 12-15 years. While there is no permanent cure for obstructive sleep apnea, diagnosis and treatment will alleviate its effects. Proper treatment can ensure that your OSA won’t shorten your life.
What makes sleep apnea worse?
Having family members with sleep apnea might increase your risk. Use of alcohol, sedatives or tranquilizers. These substances relax the muscles in your throat, which can worsen obstructive sleep apnea. Smoking.
What happens if you don’t treat sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea, particularly when the disorder goes undiagnosed or untreated, has been linked to a wide-array of health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even glaucoma, and it may also increase your risk of death.
Can sleep apnea cause brain damage?
These breathing pauses can prevent your body from supplying enough oxygen to the brain. In severe cases this lack of oxygen can lead to brain damage. Signs of this damage include memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and moodiness. The new study involved 17 men with severe, untreated sleep apnea.
Can a child be diagnosed with sleep apnea?
If your child sounds like an elderly person snoring‚Äîor a freight train‚Äîwhen they sleep, they might have pediatric obstructive sleep apnea. That’s right, kids can have sleep apnea, too.
Do kids with sleep apnea wet the bed?
Bedwetting is a common symptom in kids with sleep apnea.
Can the brain recover from sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea-related brain damage can be partially or completely reversed in many cases with positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy, usually with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device.
Can you fix sleep apnea without surgery?
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy CPAP therapy is a highly effective, firstline treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. CPAP consists of a machine, flexible tubing and mask that can be worn at night.
What is the youngest age for sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea affects many children and is most commonly found in children between 2 and 6 years of age, but can occur at any age.
What age is most affected by sleep apnea?
Before age 50, it’s more common in men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB). After age 50, it affects women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) at the same rate. People are more likely to develop it as they get older. Having excess weight or obesity strongly increases the risk of developing it.
How do I prevent sleep apnea?
Lose weight if you’re overweight. Exercise regularly. Drink alcohol moderately, if at all. Don’t drink in the hours before bedtime. Quit smoking. Use a nasal decongestant or allergy medications. Don’t sleep on your back. Avoid taking sedative medications such as anti-anxiety drugs or sleeping pills.
What are 3 symptoms of sleep apnea?
Excessive daytime sleepiness. Loud snoring. Observed episodes of stopped breathing during sleep. Abrupt awakenings accompanied by gasping or choking. Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat. Morning headache. Difficulty concentrating during the day. Mood changes, such as depression or irritability.