Business & Tech
How to Deal with Sleep Disordered Breathing in Children
Ear, nose and throat specialist Dr. Kevin Hulett of Midwest ENT answers the most-asked questions from patients like you.
Q: What is Sleep Disordered Breathing?
A: Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) describes a group of disorders characterized by abnormalities of respiratory pattern (pauses in breathing) or the quantity of ventilation during sleep. The American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation recently published “Clinical Practical Guidelines for Tonsillectomy in Children,” and the guidelines point out that clinicians should be careful to watch for common symptoms associated with sleep disordered breathing, other than just loud snoring.
Q: What is the main cause of SDB, and how can you tell if your child has it?
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A: SDB is caused by complete or partial obstruction of the throat at night. The diagnosis is usually obtained by a careful history and exam that shows significantly enlarged tonsils. An overnight sleep study also can make the diagnosis, but in most cases is not necessary.
Q: What are some symptoms that your child will experience due to SDB?
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A: The most common symptom is disrupted sleep, which has a significant effect on your child’s quality of sleep. Loud snoring and mouth breathing are common, but lack of snoring does not necessarily exclude sleep disordered breathing. Other common symptoms include aggression, hyperactivity, depression, as well as slowing of growth. Up to 50 percent of children with SDB also experience bed wetting.
Q: How can I help my child if they have SDB?
A: There have been several studies that have shown that SDB can improve following a tonsillectomy. Conservative management of SDB is important when considering surgery, and the guidelines published in the Clinical Practical Guidelines for Tonsillectomy in Children help to identify children in which a tonsillectomy has a high likelihood of improving quality of life and resulting in positive outcomes.
About this week's ENT Answers doctor: Kevin Hulett, MD
Dr. Kevin Hulett joined Midwest ENT in 2006. Prior to joining the staff, he practiced at the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage, Alaska. There he provided comprehensive care to the Alaska native population, many of whom live in remote villages throughout the state. While in Alaska, he gained significant experience in the treatment of chronic ear disease.
