Sleep Disordered Breathing

Sleep is a very important part of the child’s life. If the child does not sleep well there can be serious consequences with behavior and health. Sleep problems can have many causes: everything from behavioral issues that disrupt sleep to stop breathing spells. The Pediatric ENT specialist usually assists in the diagnosis and treatment of problems that obstruct the airway. These problems can lead to obstructive sleep apnea. Here the child tries to breath but can not take a good breath. If the child gets no air in it is called apnea and if she only gets a little breath it is called hypopnea. In the long run obstructive sleep apnea can lead to problems with heart failure and high blood pressure in the lungs. In the short run it can effect school performance and the ability to learn.