Kids Can Get Sleep Apnea Too

Did you know that sleep apnea isn’t just a problem for adults?

Typically, people think of older adults when they think about sleep apnea, but unfortunately, it is also a major problem for many children. Around 26 percent of adults in the United States and five percent of children suffer from sleep apnea, and while it’s true that sleep apnea isn’t as common in children as it is in adults, it is still a big enough issue to raise concern.

What causes sleep apnea in children?

Just as the causes of sleep apnea in adults can vary widely, so can the causes of sleep apnea in children, but one of the most common causes of sleep apnea in children is enlarged tonsils. When the tonsils are enlarged, it makes it difficult for a child to breathe during the day, but when the throat also relaxes at night, it makes it almost impossible. In children between the ages of 12 and 18, childhood obesity has also been linked to obstructive sleep apnea.

At CPAP Liquidators, we offer a variety of new and used CPAP machines, but we also want to help you to become as informed as possible about sleep apnea in both adults and children. If left untreated, sleep apnea in children can lead to behavioral issues, learning problems and adaptive problems. If you are worried that your child may have sleep apnea, schedule an appointment with your doctor right away and stay tuned for our next blog to learn the signs of sleep apnea in children.