Sleep apnea

Simplified Explanation

A sleep disorder where breathing stops for 10 seconds repeatedly throughout the night. Symptoms of sleep apnea include restless sleep, loud snoring (with periods of silence followed by gasps), falling asleep during the day, morning headaches, trouble concentrating, irritability, forgetfulness, mood or behavior changes, anxiety, and depression.

  • Obstructive sleep apnea: Sleep apnea that is caused by an obstruction in the upper airway. This is caused by the relaxation of soft tissue in the back of the throat that blocks the passage of air. Kids with Pfeiffer syndrome are more prone to obstructive sleep apnea due to the anatomical structure of the midface and narrowing of the upper airway.
  • Central sleep apnea: Sleep apnea that is caused when the brain does not tell the body to breathe.

Treatment

Sleep study: A test done in a sleep clinic that diagnoses a patient with sleep apnea Titration study: A test done in a sleep clinic that measures the exact amount of pressure needed to keep the airway open.

Titration study: A test done in a sleep clinic that diagnoses a patient with sleep apnea

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure): This is the least invasive treatment for sleep apnea. A mask is worn on the nose, nose/mouth, or face at night that hooks up to a CPAP machine. The airway is kept open with continuous airway pressure from the machine through the mask.

Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy: Removing the tonsils and adenoids to increase the space in the upper airway as a treatment for sleep apnea.

Tracheotomy: Procedure that creates an opening in the throat, placing a tube in the trachea below the vocal chords. This allows air into the lungs, bypassing the upper airway when there is an obstruction.

Please read our

Legal Disclaimer

Legal Disclaimer

The contents of this website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the website
(“Content”) are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice; the Content is not intended
to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician
or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard
professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

In the event of a medical emergency, call a doctor or 911 immediately. This website does not recommend or endorse
any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the
Site. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk.

The Site and the Content are provided on an “as is” basis.

Links to educational content not created by Born a Hero are taken at your own risk. Born a Hero is not responsible
for the claims of external websites and education companies.

×