Sleep Apnea in Children

Zach and Tori Roloff of the show “Little People Big World” recently announced that their four-year-old daughter, Lilah, was diagnosed with moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Studies report that anywhere from one to 11% of children have the condition, which often goes undiagnosed. According to Minal Patel, M.D., a board-certified pediatrician specializing in sleep medicine at Pediatrix® Specialty Care of Austin, large tonsils and adenoids; obesity; genetic anomalies, such as Down syndrome; craniofacial abnormalities, such as micrognathia or retrognathia; neuromuscular disorders; and prematurity can predispose children to sleep apnea. The sleep disorder can impact mental and physical health in both children and adults. “If sleep apnea is not treated, it can affect children in several ways, including behavioral and cognitive issues, impairment in growth and development, heart function and daytime sleepiness,” said Dr. Patel.

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