Back-to-school time often reminds parents of the notebooks and pencils. But, it should also remind parents of a child’s health and sleep habits.
Sleep apnea should not stand in the way of a child and his or her good grades or after-school activities.
Sleep apnea often occurs when tonsils, adenoids, soft palate and tongue block the airway, causing upper airway resistance syndrome. Signs of sleep apnea may include snoring, mouth breathing and teeth grinding.
JRMC Ear, Nose & Throat Specialist Dr. C.P. Barton III joined JRMC in 2022. In his 20 years of experience, Dr. Barton has performed numerous surgeries for tubes, tonsils and adenoids.
A blocked airway can reduce a child’s performance in school and lead to behavioral issues. If left unattended, it can even cause heart failure.
Tonsils and adenoids can cause airways to become blocked.
“Snoring and teeth grinding are common symptoms,” Dr. Barton said.
Other signs include:
- grumpy or grouchiness in the morning; a child that’s hard to wake
- bed wetting
- sleepwalking
- sleep posturing with the chin up
- difficulty swallowing, choking on food, picky eater
Tonsillectomies are one of the most common procedures in children. Each year, more than 530,000 children under the age of 15 have their tonsils removed, according to the National Institute of Health.
With school around the corner, children should not be suffering from difficulties sleeping, snoring, sore throats or ear infections.
Give your student success in the school year. Schedule direct with Dr. Barton at (701) 952-4878.