Clinical Case Database / Category: Clinical Care

Tonsils and adenoids: sleep-related breathing disorders in children

Publication details

M Buckingham, AC Leong, DA Bowdler
Foundation Years Journal, volume 4, issue 7, p.5 (123Doc Education, London, July 2010)

Abstract

Sleep-related breathing disorders (SBD) in children are common, ranging from snoring, which is a relatively benign and common condition, to obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) at the other end of the spectrum, typically characterised by oxygen desaturation, reduced oronasal air flow and paradoxical movement of the chest and abdomen (see Figure 1) (1). In the UK, 12% of 4-5 year old children snore on a regular basis and the typical affected child who suffers from SBD is aged 2-5 years old (2). Up to 3% of children experience episodes of intermittent complete upper airway obstruction or OSA, which is the most extreme form of SBD (3). The purpose of this article is to highlight SBD in children to FY2 trainees as a common but serious condition which presents to general practitioners (GP), paediatricians and otolaryngologists, with a view to guiding trainees through its diagnosis and management.

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Authors

M Buckingham

ENT FY2 doctor at University Hospital Lewisham
Dept of Otolaryngology

AC Leong

ENT SpR at University Hospital Lewisham Dept of Otolaryngology

DA Bowdler

Consultant ENT Surgeon Dept of Otolaryngology
University Hospital Lewisham

References

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12. Wilson K, Lakheeram I, Morielli A et al. Can assessment for obstructive sleep apnea help predict postadenotonsillectomy respiratory complications? Anesthesiology 2002; 96:313–322.
13. McColley SA, April MM, Carroll JL et al. Respiratory compromise after adenotonsillectomy in children with obstructive sleep apnea. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1992; 118:940–943.
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