Sleep could either be partially or completely disturbed or blocked due to problems with breathing. This condition develops due to the blockage or narrowing of the upper airway during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea differs for adults and children with the changes in their behavior. Children tend to have more behavioral problems as adenoids and tonsils get enlarged. It is better to get early diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications that would affect the child’s growth, cognitive development, and behavior.
Symptoms
Obstructive sleep apnea in children would show certain signs such as:
- Snoring
- Restless sleep
- Breathing through mouth
- Pauses while breathing
- Wetting the bed
- Sleep terrors
- Coughing or choking
Cardiovascular consequences
When obstructive sleep apnea is left untreated, it could lead to several cardiovascular problems. OSA can cause high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation), slow heart rate (bradycardia), coronary heart disease, and heart failure. When obstructive sleep apnea is left untreated, then the oxygen levels would drop during sleep, damaging blood vessels that supply blood to the heart. This drop-in oxygen level would cause the heart rate to change, causing blood pressure to go up.
Severe obstructive sleep apnea would lead to stress, which in turn causes the heart to enlarge. An enlarged heart cannot pump the regular way. The body and heart would not be unable to receive sufficient oxygen as the oxygen levels will also drop.
Coronary artery disease or hardening of the arteries occurs because the small blood vessels become narrow. These small vessels supply blood and oxygen to the heart. Narrowed coronary arteries would cause cardiac arrest and heart damage. Untreated OSA can lead to heart attacks and heart failures in the future, as chances are higher when left untreated.
Medical care
Treating obstructive sleep apnea can prevent or improve heart problems. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a device used to treat OSA, and this is one of the most common devices used for the same. This would help control the symptoms of OSA and prevent or control the heart-related problems associated with sleep apnea that are often considered as severe and life-limiting.
At Smile Architect Center for Dental & Invisible Braces, the doctor helps to identify the problem on time and prevents or improves the problems caused due to obstructive sleep apnea in children.
Blog reviewed by: DR.GIRISH P.V
Visit @ invisiblebracesbangalore.com
Mail us: smilearchitectbangalore@gmail.com
Book appointment: invisiblebracesbangalore.com/book-appointment
No comments:
Post a Comment