Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Host: If a kid is snoring very loud in middle of the night, is that a reason to see a sleep apnea specialist?

Dr. Monita Mendiratta: Well, about 12% of our pediatric population snores but the incidence of sleep apnea right now is only at about 1-3%. So what that tells you is not everyone that snores has sleep apnea and the reverse is true as well, not everyone with sleep apnea snores. So I think it is rather a constellation of various symptoms that you have to look at. Does the child snore? Does the child have any problems breathing that are observed by the parent overnight, are there any pauses in breathing or gasping or choking? Are there any day time symptoms that you are concerned about because sleep apnea really is a combination of having night time symptoms as well as day time symptoms?

So is the child irritable during the day time, tired or on the other spectrum, hyperactive? How is the child performing in school? Did the child have any other medical problems such as allergies or large adenoids? Has the child had frequent throat infections or large tonsils are concerns.


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