Isn’t it lovely to just sit there and watch how peaceful our little ones sleep? As a parent, we would want to shield them from the world and watching them sleep soundly at night after a long day of playing to their heart’s content is kind of reassuring that we are doing the right job. However, it is also often that in their sleep, we can see how vulnerable and defenceless they can be and unlike when they are awake, they cannot cry out what’s hurting them when they are sleeping. Should you start to notice that your child is having trouble breathing when he’s asleep, things can be quite alarming.
Sleep apnea is a sleeping condition that is very common among young children in Singapore. It is characterized by obstructive breathing when the patient is asleep. Oftentimes, the person will have irregular breathing patterns that may result in a shortage of air. For this reason, it is common for patients with sleep apnea to feel tired during the day. Dizziness and headaches can also be quite evident as a result of a lack of oxygen. Today, we will share with you the common causes of sleep apnea and how you can help your child overcome this sleeping problem.
Obesity
Even among adults, obesity is linked with developing sleep apnea. When you become overweight, it will be difficult for your respiratory system to function properly especially when lying down. Thus, it is crucial that you monitor your kid’s weight when he/she is experiencing sleep apnea.
Enlarged Adenoids and Tonsils
Adenoids and tonsils are two organs that can be found near your throat. These two are important because they are responsible for proper breathing especially when the person is asleep. If they are enlarged, an ENT doctor may suggest a surgical procedure to correct the shapes of these organs and facilitate better breathing.
Other Risk Factors
There are other medical conditions that are closely linked to sleep apnea. For instance, an Ears, Nose & Throat specialist may ask if your family have a history of epilepsy or Down’s syndrome as these conditions weaken the throat muscle which may cause abnormalities in breathing. Having small jaws and overbite may also cause sleep apnea.
For professional diagnosis, you may want to visit an ENT doctor in Mount Elizabeth for a clinical checkup that is specially tailored for children.
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