Apnea (Child)
Many people have short pauses in their breathing, and this is normal. But the condition is called apnea if the pauses occur for 20 seconds or longer. Apnea can affect children while they sleep. This is known as sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can be caused by any of the following:
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Obesity.
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Enlarged tonsils or adenoids.
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Medicines.
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Anatomic abnormalities.
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Metabolic or genetic disorders.
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Family history of sleep apnea.
There are many symptoms of sleep apnea. Common symptoms your child with apnea may have include:
Treatment varies depending on the cause. Surgery can remove swollen tonsils or adenoids. Some children need to lose weight or use medicines. Or your child may need CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure). For this treatment, your child wears a special mask at night. Oxygenated air is circulated through the mask to the nose or mouth. This helps keep the breathing passages open.
Home care
Medicines
If the health care provider prescribes any medicines, follow the provider's instructions for giving them to your child.
General care
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Ensure your home is free of tobacco smoke, indoor air pollutants, and allergens. These irritants may make breathing more difficult for your child.
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Allow your child to rest as needed during the day.
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Give your child healthy foods and drinks. If your child needs to lose weight, ask to meet with a nutritionist.
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Encourage your child to exercise.
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Talk to your child's health care provider if you are concerned they may have apnea. The provider will take a full health history and do a physical exam. Your child may need more formal testing with a sleep study. For this, they'll have to sleep in the hospital. Their breathing can be watched during the sleep cycle.
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If a nighttime mask (CPAP) is needed, help your child get used to it. It may take time to adjust to the mask.
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Tell school officials, teachers, and daycare providers about your child’s health. Work with them to ensure your child is successful and happy during the day.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your child's health care provider, or as advised. Your child may be referred to an ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT or otolaryngologist) for evaluation.
Call 911
Call 911 if:
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Your child has trouble breathing.
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Your child is confused or dizzy.
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Your child is very drowsy or has trouble waking up.
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Your child faints or loses consciousness.
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Your child has a fast heart rate.
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Your child is unable to talk.
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Your child has a seizure.
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Your child has a stiff neck.
When to call the doctor
Contact your child's health care provider right away if:
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You see new or worsening symptoms, such as trouble waking your child, daytime tiredness, or morning headache
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Your child has ongoing distraction or behavior problems at school
Online Medical Reviewer:
Chris Southard RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Marianne Fraser MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Sravani Chintapalli
Date Last Reviewed:
1/1/2025
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.