OSA is when breathing occasionally becomes blocked during sleep......

         When children suffer from OSA, the heart rate slows, the nervous system is stimulated, blood pressure rises, and thus sleep is disturbed. Children can not cope with broken sleep

      Children who are at an increased risk are;

n      Children with enlarged tonsils and adenoids

n      Children with down syndrome

n      Children who are overweight

n      Children with head and facial deformities

n      Children with nerve and muscle weakness

      Symptoms;

n      Loud snoring

n      Difficulty breathing

n      Snorts and gasps

n      Mouth breathing

      Problems caused by OSA;

n      Excessive sleepiness

n      Unexplained bed wetting

n      Hyperactivity

n      Bad and aggressive behaviour

n      Difficulties with concentration

n      Difficulties at school

n      Failure to thrive

n      High blood pressure

                    The only way to know if your child has OSA is to do a sleep study, were your child is observed through the night. Your child will sleep in a room that is monitored by television and microphones, this is so that all activities are recorded and watched. A specially trained person will put sensors on your child’s;

n      Head

n      Face

n      Chest

n      Abdomen and

n      Legs

This will monitor;

n      Brain waves

n      Eye movements

n      Breathing

n      Blood oxygen levels

n      Heart rate and

n      Muscle activity

                      Your paediatrician will receive a full report on the results and will be able to make a diagnosis and suggest a treatment.

Treatment of OSA;

n      Enlarged tonsils are one of the main causes, there for, an operation for the removal of tonsils and adenoids may be required.

n      Nasal continuos positive airway pressure, this is a small mask that is worn over  the nose, this will provide pressure to keep the airway open while the child is sleeping

n      Life style changes such as weight loss and regular exercise.

              OSA is increasingly being acknowledged as a cause of behavioural problems in children. If your child is misbehaving at school, snores loudly, and has the symptoms you should ask to see a paediatrician about OSA.......

           Hope this helps..................