Sleep And Breathing In Kids
Sleep is vital to the health and well-being of children. During sleep, the body reaches a restorative state that helps with growth and development. Yet many children struggle with sleep disorders that prevent that. If you notice that your child snores loudly or wakes up coughing and choking, then they may struggle with a form of sleep-disordered breathing. Dr. Jeff Buxton offers services to help with both sleep and breathing in kids in Murray, UT. Our services help kids overcome challenges with the airway so they can sleep soundly.
Common Sleep and Breathing Issues for Kids
When kids sleep, the entire body relaxes. This can cause the upper airway to relax as well. For some kids, this creates problems with obstructive sleep apnea, particularly if they have a small lower jaw, a large tongue, or a sinus cavity deformity that makes the airway smaller. Obstructive sleep apnea affects less than 4% of children.
Children can also suffer from central sleep apnea. This condition is a neurological condition that allows the brain to turn off the breathing process during sleep, causing the child to startle awake in order to start breathing again.
Both of these types of sleep-disordered breathing can have significant negative impacts on a child. Children with either form of sleep apnea may experience behavioral changes or suffer from mood disorders. They may also struggle in school. Getting prompt help to address sleep and breathing in kids is essential.
How to Assess Issues with Sleep and Breathing in Kids
At Dr. Jeff Buxton, our team is well-versed in all types of sleep disorders, including those affecting children. If you bring your child to our team, we will perform a thorough health evaluation, which, in many cases, involves a sleep study. These tests will help us pinpoint the potential cause of your child’s concerns.
After finding the underlying cause of your child’s sleep concerns, we will help with lifestyle changes or breathing assistance devices, such as the CPAP machine, to help your child breathe freely. Many children who struggle with sleep concerns have anatomical issues, such as enlarged tonsils or small lower jaws, that contribute to the problem. Addressing these issues through oral appliances, orthodontia, or surgery can also improve your child’s breathing and sleep. We will help you find the right specialists to address these concerns.
If you are noticing problems with sleep and breathing in kids in Murray, UT, reach out to the specialists at Dr. Jeff Buxton. Let us help you find solutions that will help your child get restorative, healthy sleep.
