Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that occurs when your child's breathing becomes partially or completely blocked repeatedly during sleep. The condition is due to narrowing or blockage of the upper airway during sleep.

There are some differences between pediatric obstructive sleep apnea and adult sleep apnea. Children often have only partially narrowed airways rather than a complete blockage as often seen in adults.

Obesity is a common factor underlying obstructive sleep apnea in adults. But in children the most common condition leading to obstructive sleep apnea is enlarged tonsils and adenoids.

Problems with daytime behavior and attention span are also common in children with OSA.

Sept. 24, 2015