Apnea Snoring or obstructive sleep apnea is a relatively common problem in children. It can be seen in children of all ages from infants to adolescents, but peaks between two to six years. There also seems to be a secondary peak in adolescence. Boys and girls are equally affected. In some children, the disrupted sleep will cause symptoms of hyperactivity, irritability, difficulties in school.
All children are at risk to develop obstructive sleep apnea.
Children at increased risk include those children with large tonsils and adenoids, children who are overweight, children with Down's syndrome, children with craniofacial abnormalities, and children with neuromuscular weakness. Infants with an apparent life-threatening event present for medical attention because a sudden and unexpected change in behavior alarmed the caretaker. The event can happen during wakefulness or sleep or during feeding. The caretaker will often describe a change in color, a change in body tone, choking or gagging. Most times it is felt that the event was life-threatening to the infant.