Obstructive Sleep Apnoea in Children

Overview

What is obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)?

OSA in children is a condition where a child's breathing is partially or completely blocked during sleep due to airway narrowing. This can present as snoring, restless sleep, pauses in breathing or gasping breathing during sleep. Children with OSA may be very tired during the daytime, have trouble paying attention, or show behavioural problems. The most common cause is enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Certain medical conditions such as Down Syndrome, Prader Willi Syndrome and Achondroplasia predispose children to developing OSA. 

How do you test for obstructive sleep apnoea?

We provide detailed testing for obstructive sleep apnoea using cardiorespiratory polygraphy. If your child is admitted for a sleep study, the following signals will be recorded; breathing movements from belts placed across the chest and abdomen, airflow using a sensor worn over the nose, oxygen levels using a saturation probe on the finger and body position and movement using a sensor placed on the chest and an infrared camera in the room. We use these detailed signals to build a picture of the severity and frequency of breathing problems that your child might be experiencing during the night. 

How is OSA treated?

The treatment for OSA will depend on the cause.

Where large tonsils and adenoids are the cause, adenotonsillectomy is curative in the majority of cases. We operate a streamlined service with our Ear-Nose-Throat (ENT) colleagues here in the Bons Secours Hospital Cork to ensure children receive prompt care informed by high quality sleep diagnostics.

Other treatments for OSA can include intranasal steroid sprays and using machines to deliver positive airway pressure during sleep (e.g. CPAP).

Referrals

How can I organise a referral?

Our service receives referrals through GPs, ENT Consultants, Paediatric Respiratory Medicine Consultants and Dentists.