Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a condition where the muscles in the back of the throat relax while sleeping. 

This blocks or obstructs the airway to the point where there is not an efficient breathing pattern. Children with OSA usually stop breathing for a short period of time on and off whilst they sleep which often sounds like a snort, grunt or gasp for air.

Did you know?

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) affects approximately 1 in 30 children and can have an impact on learning, concentration, behaviour and cardiovascular health. 

Snoring occurs in approximately 1 in 5 children. It is just one of the signs of OSA and isn’t an automatic diagnosis of OSA. 

OSA usually occurs in children who have large tonsils or adenoids, have a family history of OSA, are above a healthy weight, have issues with their mouth or jaw or have medication conditions, for example, cerebral palsy, down syndrome or severe allergies. 

As a parent, you may notice a few of the following signs and symptoms of OSA: 

  • snoring 

  • pauses in breath or gasping for air 

  • restless sleeping 

  • consistent tiredness throughout the day 

  • other sleep concerns, for example, sleepwalking or bedwetting.

If you are concerned about your child’s breathing throughout the night, you should discuss it with your family GP. They may advise on one of the following if your child is diagnosed with OSA. 

Surgery

Some children with large tonsils or adenoids may have to get them surgically removed. This is a common procedure that can have an immediate impact on the outcome of OSA.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)

A therapy to assist the respiratory system by pumping air into the lungs through the nose and/or mouth. Your child will complete a sleep study to assess the severity, have a mask fitted by a specialist and then given instructions on how to use the CPAP machine at home.

Medication

Depending on the cause of the OSA in your child, your GP may write your child a script for pharmacological treatment.

Behavioural

Behavioural strategies like choosing a different sleep position can help with OSA, for example, your child sleeping on their side. If your child is above a healthy weight, your GP may suggest a weight management program in order to reduce the severity of their OSA.