If your loved one has sleep apnea, he or she is not alone. It is estimated that at least 936 million people worldwide may have obstructive sleep apnea, while more than 70 million people worldwide suffer from the less common central sleep apnea syndrome.

Sleep apnea is most common in adults (especially those over age 65), as aging is associated with sleep apnea. However, it can also occur in children, with obstructive sleep apnea occurring in 1-5% of children. If you are concerned that your child may be suffering from this sleep disorder, you may need to know the signs to watch for and how to diagnose it.

Therefore, we recently asked Professor Esther Rodriguez, a sleep apnea specialist, to tell us the five most common symptoms of sleep apnea seen in babies and children. She also told us when these symptoms are most likely to appear.

Sleep apnea is a health condition characterized by the cessation or beginning of breathing during sleep and comes in two distinct forms: central sleep apnea (CSA) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Central sleep apnea (CSA) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). According to Rodriguez-Villegas, the latter is the most common and is caused by airway obstruction.

Sleep apnea decreases the quality of sleep, and according to the professor, the symptoms can have a ripple effect on overall health. As a result, the professor explains, "it can cause daily fatigue, memory, concentration, and mood problems."

"If left untreated, it can lead to or contribute to a variety of health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and depression.

While sleep apnea in adults can lead to fatigue and difficulty concentrating, Rodriguez-Villegas says the symptoms in children are slightly different. She explains, "In children, behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, irritability, defiance, and aggression can manifest." Unfortunately, this often affects their performance in school and is sometimes misdiagnosed as ADHD."

According to sleep specialists, "Childhood sleep apnea is usually caused by larger than normal adenoids or tonsils and can be corrected with relatively simple surgery.

Symptoms can appear at any age, but Rodriguez-Villegas says they are most common between the ages of 2 and 8, when the tonsils are at their peak growth. Although rare, sleep apnea can be seen in newborns, especially those born prematurely.

"Premature infants are more common because they sleep longer. Sleep apnea can also be caused by poor facial development, such as a small jaw or a jaw pushed back," says a sleep apnea specialist.

Sleep apnea in children can present in a variety of forms, but according to Rodriquez-Villegas, the following symptoms are the most common:

Rodriguez-Villegas said that while for most people, no genetic link to sleep apnea has been identified, some studies have noted that genetic factors have been identified that contribute to the lifetime likelihood of developing sleep apnea. In children, the presence of genetic conditions such as Down syndrome or sickle cell disease significantly increases the probability of developing OSA.

Medical technology developers also say that sleep apnea can be mistaken for some other disease. She explains, "Symptoms of sleep apnea in children are often misdiagnosed as ADHD, OCD, or other behavioral problems."

On the other hand, common features in children with sleep apnea do not necessarily mean that they have sleep apnea. For example, according to Villegas-Rodriguez, snoring should not automatically be considered a sign of sleep apnea.

"About 12% of children snore, but the rate of sleep apnea is estimated to be 2-5%. However, very loud snoring is not common in children and can be a cause for concern if accompanied by other symptoms. 'Currently, the accepted gold standard for diagnosing OSA in children is polysomnography (PSG) and, in some cases, cardiopulmonary polysomnography (CR-PG). [AcuPebble is a promising new technology that is already being used as the standard of care for adult OSA diagnosis and has just undergone clinical evaluation for children. The new technology has the potential to completely transform the way sleep apnea is diagnosed in children and improve access to treatment."

Fortunately, Rodriquez-Villegas says, the prognosis for pediatric OSA is good. 'Sleep apnea in children is usually very treatable, although the treatment and likelihood of success depends on the cause,' she said. Lifestyle modifications, such as weight loss, may be sufficient in some cases, while surgical treatment may be necessary in others."

Rarely, orthodontic appliances may be needed to realign the child's jaws. However, if sleep apnea is caused by enlarged tonsils or adenoids, a simple removal procedure can solve the problem. [Or you may need to wear a special medical device called a CPAP to keep your airway clear during sleep, or take nasal steroids to reduce inflammation of the nasal passages," she explains.

If a more natural, nonsurgical treatment is preferred, mouth and throat exercises, also known as "myofunctional therapy" or "oropharyngeal exercises," have been shown to improve obstructive sleep apnea and snoring in children.

If a child shows symptoms of sleep apnea, Rodriguez-Villegas recommends taking him or her to a doctor. Provide as much information as possible," she advises. If the doctor determines that sleep apnea may be the cause of the child's symptoms, he or she will refer him or her to a sleep specialist for testing."