Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of the condition in children and could be potentially life threatening if the condition becomes too severe. However, if the right methods are used in the early stages, it could be possible to prevent it – even cure it in some cases. Most of the preventative methods involve changing how the child sleeps and treating any allergies which affect the nasal passages. There are also exercises that children can carry out to strengthen the muscles and improve symptoms of sleep apnea, for a healthier and safer nights sleep. One of the most common causes of sleep apnea, in both adults and children, is being overweight. If your child is overweight, you should seek the advice of your GP or a dietician who can help you develop a healthier meal plan so that they can reach a balanced weight. Following a healthy, low-fat diet and combining this with a regime of regular exercise will help your child to stay at a weight that’s age appropriate. Even losing just a few extra pounds could be the difference between severe sleep apnea and safe breathing during the night. Some people notice that their sleep apnea completely disappears when they lose weight.
Certain positions during the night make sleep apnea worse, so it may help them to sleep on their side rather than on their back. Sleeping on the back can cause the tongue to rest on the back of the neck, which can block the air passage and make breathing more difficult. However, if your child is used to sleeping on their back, it may be hard to break the habit. One methods which often works quite well is to sew a tennis ball into the back of their pj’s. This will stop them rolling over onto their back during the night and ensure that they sleep on their side. If you’re child has a cold or an allergy which affects their breathing, it is best to try and get this resolved early on. It may be aggravating their sleep during the night and making their sleep apnea worse. Antihistamines should be avoided though, as these can make children drowsy and worsen the sleep apnea. Instead, opt for decongestants which will reduce the blockage in the nasal passages and make breathing easier. Try to avoid giving your children too much to eat before bedtime as well, as obstructive sleep apnea is made worse by reflux and can even damage the oesophagus. This also links back to the aforementioned weight issue, which contributes towards the cure or cause of sleep apnea.
If your child hasn’t had their tonsils removed, this may be something to consider. Studies suggest that one of the most effective ways of treating sleep apnea is to undergo an adenotonsillectomy. This is because this procedure clears up the passage of air in the respiratory system for easier breathing, which could help to treat this potentially-fatal condition. However, it is important to remember that removing the tonsils doesn’t work for every patients, and not all children who have sleep apnea are automatically eligible for the surgery. Try to keep your children away from irritants that can make their breathing worse, as well, such as air fresheners or air-borne chemicals and toxins. Much like with asthma, these irritants in the air make breathing more difficult for some children and could be making their sleep apnea worse – keep their bedroom window open slightly to allow fresh air to flow through for easier breathing.