Sleep Apnea in Kids & Adults: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Options | ENT Clinic

By: Dr. Madeleine Herman, MD, MPH, FAAOA

Sleep Apnea in Kids vs. Adults: Signs, Causes, and Treatment Options

Sleep apnea is often associated with older adults, but did you know that children can also suffer from this sleep disorder? Sleep apnea in kids and adults presents differently, has unique causes, and requires specific treatment approaches. In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences, symptoms, and treatment options for sleep apnea in children versus adults.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to airway obstruction or brain signaling issues. The two main types are:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) – Caused by a blocked airway, often due to enlarged tonsils, obesity, or nasal issues.

• Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) – A less common form where the brain fails to send the right signals to control breathing.

  
  

Sleep Apnea in Kids vs. Adults: Key Differences

Feature	Kids	Adults
Common Causes	Enlarged tonsils/adenoids, nasal congestion, obesity, genetic conditions	Obesity, weakened throat muscles, smoking, nasal congestion
Symptoms	Snoring, restless sleep, bedwetting, ADHD-like behavior, mouth breathing	Loud snoring, gasping for air, daytime fatigue, headaches, difficulty concentrating
Health Risks	Behavioral problems, poor school performance, delayed growth, cardiovascular issues	High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cognitive decline
Treatment Options	Tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy, CPAP therapy, weight management, allergy treatment	CPAP therapy, oral appliances, weight loss, surgery in severe cases

Signs Your Child May Have Sleep Apnea

Children with sleep apnea may not always snore loudly. Instead, they might experience:

✅ Frequent night awakenings

✅ Bedwetting past the usual age

✅ Difficulty waking up in the morning

✅ Hyperactivity or attention issues

✅ Poor school performance

If you notice these symptoms, consult an ENT specialist or pediatric sleep expert for an evaluation.

Signs of Sleep Apnea in Adults

Adults with sleep apnea often struggle with:

✅ Loud, persistent snoring

✅ Waking up choking or gasping

✅ Daytime sleepiness

✅ Difficulty concentrating

✅ Morning headaches

Ignoring sleep apnea can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, making early diagnosis and treatment crucial.

How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?

A sleep study (polysomnography) is the gold standard for diagnosing sleep apnea in both kids and adults. Home sleep tests may also be an option for adults.

Best Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

For Kids:

✔️ Tonsillectomy & Adenoidectomy – The most common and effective treatment for pediatric OSA

For Adults:

✔️ CPAP Therapy – The gold standard for moderate to severe sleep apnea

✔️ Oral Appliances – Devices that help keep the airway open

✔️ Surgery – UPPP (Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty) or Inspire therapy for severe cases

✔️ Lifestyle Changes – Weight loss, avoiding alcohol, and sleeping on your side

When to See an ENT Specialist

If you or your child show signs of sleep apnea, don’t wait. An ENT doctor can evaluate airway issues and recommend the best treatment. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious long-term health problems, so early intervention is key.

Final Thoughts

Sleep apnea affects both kids and adults, but the causes, symptoms, and treatments differ. If your child struggles with sleep disturbances, behavioral issues, or snoring, a consultation with an ENT specialist could make a significant difference. Similarly, adults experiencing daytime fatigue or loud snoring should seek evaluation to improve their sleep quality and overall health.

🔔 Need help with sleep apnea? Contact our ENT clinic today for a consultation and take the first step toward better sleep!