Discover if your child’s behavioral problems stem from pediatric sleep apnea
The condition of sleep apnea is contributed by the narrowing or blockage of the upper airway while sleeping. However, sleep apnea affects children and adults differently. For example, most adults experience brain fog, fatigue during the day, and obesity, whereas children tend to act out with more pronounced behavioral problems. Learn more with Sherman Oaks Sleep Apnea expert Dr. Eddie Siman. He is LA’s premier expert cosmetic dentist, but he is also paving the way with groundbreaking techniques and treatments for sleep apnea, pediatric sleep apnea, and TMJ. Schedule your child’s consultation for our Sherman Oaks & Beverly Hills pediatric sleep apnea treatment today.
Early diagnosis is critical to preventing cognitive and behavioral issues
Studies show that a large percentage of children suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. It can develop at any age. Two types of sleep apnea can occur in children — obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea occurs when the part of the brain responsible for breathing is not functioning correctly. The most crucial difference between the two types of apnea is the frequency of snoring. It is more frequent in obstructive sleep apnea because it is related to airflow obstruction. Pediatric sleep apnea or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition when the child’s breathing is wholly or partially blocked during sleeping and happens repeatedly.
The condition is relatively common and also, as a disease, results in a considerable range of health complications. The consequences of untreated obstructive sleep apnea can lead to various health and behavioral problems. Any blockage in the mouth cavity and throat will partially or entirely block the airflow while sleeping and make the child snore or stop breathing. These breathing interruptions can happen more than 30 times in one hour and last for ten to 20 seconds. Quality of sleep is extremely low because the brain awakens when the breathing stops — resulting in an unrestful sleep.
The most common cause is enlarged tonsils and adenoids, neuromuscular disease, or craniofacial abnormalities in children. In addition, infection or inflammation can cause these glands to swell. When the glands are enlarged, they block the airway flow during sleeping. Obstructive sleep apnea can also be caused by being overweight, a tumor or growth in the airway, congenital disabilities, or specific syndromes like Down syndrome or Pierre-Robin syndrome. Obesity or increased body mass index is also a common factor for pediatric sleep apnea, leading to cognitive vulnerability.
Many children are misdiagnosed with A.D.D. and A.D.H.D due to their untreated obstructive sleep apnea. These children are deprived of adequate amounts of oxygen while they sleep, which causes them to feel tired throughout the day, in the classroom and during their interactions with others. If your child has been diagnosed with A.D.D. or A.D.H.D., it is highly recommended not to rule out the possibility of OSA. Symptoms may be different in each child but overall include:
Also, a behavior difference is noticed in your child during the day. For example, children who suffer from pediatric sleep apnea often have sleepiness, irritability, hyperactivity, learning problems, and morning headaches.
Dr. Siman designed and prototyped his sleep apnea device based on FDA-approved materials and appliances to improve his patients’ sleep quality.
The device is comfortable, adjustable, and tolerable to wear for long periods compared to traditional CPAP machines. It also requires no electricity or batteries.The device fits like a retainer, making it easier for kids to tolerate while sleeping. In addition, there is no noise, no discomfort, and less infection risk compared to traditional CPAP machines.
Relieve snoring and sleep apnea symptoms
A detailed physical examination is needed to evaluate your child. The assessment includes observing your child’s general appearance paying careful attention to cranial characteristics — next evaluating the upper airway by visualization and X-rays. A lateral neck X-ray can be performed in the office on the same day of your appointment to rule out an enlarged adenoid. It is also necessary to eliminate nasal obstruction depending on your child’s age. Septal deviation may be considered in infants and nasal polyps in older kids. Dr. Siman may suggest a sleep study test or polysomnography. It is a test that diagnoses sleep disorders while recording brain waves, oxygen levels in the blood, heart rate, breathing, eye, and leg movements during testing. In Sherman Oaks, we offer the following sleep apnea solutions:
While performing various tests, children require a friendly atmosphere and approach, along with smaller and specialized equipment. If left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea and obesity can lead to a significant decrease in your child’s quality of life. For example, this condition leads to decreased interest in daily activities, relationships with families, friends, and school. In addition, Pediatric Sleep Apnea can cause your child to have less oxygen in the blood than average, leading to permanent damage to the heart and lungs and poor growth and development.
To start your child on the road to relief from their pediatric sleep apnea Sherman Oaks & Beverly Hills sleep apnea specialist, Dr. Eddie Siman, can begin with a consultation and examination. Dr. Eddie Siman provides his patients with painless, non-surgical, proprietary holistic therapies. With countless testimonies attesting to Dr. Siman’s 30 years of experience in diagnosing and providing non-surgical treatments, it is clear why so many patients choose him to alleviate TMJ symptoms and Sleep Apnea symptoms.
Dr. Eddie Siman has over 35 years of experience and is a premier TMJ and Sleep Apnea expert in Los Angeles and Orange County. Many come to Dr. Eddie Siman with severe tinnitus, migraine problems, and sleep apnea with no relief in sight. Little do these patients know that their painful symptoms are tied to the Temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Think outside the box and pay a simple visit to Dr. Siman today so you can finally find the source of all your pain and get rid of it once and for all.
14629 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
414 N. Camden Drive Suite #1240, Beverly Hills, CA 90403
