HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Are The Symptoms Of Obstructive Sleep Apnea And Down Syndrome?

I am a behavioral therapist. I currently have a 9 year old client with Down Syndrome. He is experiencing difficulty with night waking. Mom reports he is going to sleep around 8pm and waking each night around 1am. At this time he insists on mom getting him back to bed / sleeping with him / staying with him / etc. I am researching the incidence between DS and sleep apnea, sleep waking, etc. Any recommendations?
Mon, 25 May 2015
Report Abuse
Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. In patients of Down's syndrome due to anatomical changes in oral cavity like poor tone of muscles, large tongue, enlarged adenoids etc patients are at increased risk of obstruction of airways. This results in loss of tone of muscles during sleep and ultimately this results in Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). The OSA cause multiple awakening in night and result in huge difficulty to parents also. In my opinion he should be evaluated by a doctor to find out any anatomical reason causing OSA. Surgery of enlarged adenoids and tonsils is one good option. Once surgery is done even after if symptoms persist then CPAP (Continuous positive airway pressure) can also help.

Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care.

Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi
MD Psychiatry
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Are The Symptoms Of Obstructive Sleep Apnea And Down Syndrome?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your concern. In patients of Down s syndrome due to anatomical changes in oral cavity like poor tone of muscles, large tongue, enlarged adenoids etc patients are at increased risk of obstruction of airways. This results in loss of tone of muscles during sleep and ultimately this results in Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). The OSA cause multiple awakening in night and result in huge difficulty to parents also. In my opinion he should be evaluated by a doctor to find out any anatomical reason causing OSA. Surgery of enlarged adenoids and tonsils is one good option. Once surgery is done even after if symptoms persist then CPAP (Continuous positive airway pressure) can also help. Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care. Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi MD Psychiatry