Pediatric Sleep Apnea Doctor in El Paso, TX

Sleep apnea is a condition where a child will stop breathing partially or completely, frequently during their sleep cycle. This stoppage is caused by the narrowing or blockage of your child’s upper airway. One of the most important differences between sleep apnea in adults and sleep apnea in children is the way it affects them during the day. Adults who suffer from undiagnosed or untreated sleep apnea will often be groggy or tired throughout the day.

However, for children, the impact can be much more dire, as lack of sleep manifests as behavioral issues that can not only negatively impact their relationships with friends and family members but can also lead to problems at school. For adults, sleep apnea is most often related to being overweight or obese, while in children, the root cause is more often enlargement of the tonsils or adenoids that are too large for their still-developing bodies.

If you observe your child snoring or pausing their breath during sleep, you should bring them to see a doctor. Sleep apnea can also cause your child to be restless during sleep, breathe through their mouth, wet the bed, or experience sleep terrors. Often, parents may be startled by coughing, choking, or snorting noises their child makes as they struggle to breathe normally during sleep. While these symptoms may be easy to spot, not all children with sleep apnea will exhibit the more obvious signs. You should also look for signs during waking hours, including hyperactivity, behavioral issues, learning difficulties, and poor weight gain.

In addition to the symptoms mentioned, children with sleep apnea may experience frequent night wakings, difficulty falling back asleep, or appear unusually tired or cranky during the day. These signs can be subtle and often get overlooked by parents, especially when they are mistaken for typical childhood behavior or sleep struggles. If left untreated, sleep apnea can negatively impact your child’s cognitive function, social interactions, and overall quality of life. Addressing these concerns early with a pediatric sleep specialist can help prevent long-term issues and ensure your child receives the proper treatment for improved sleep and health.

While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines are still often the first treatment option for adults, the pediatric sleep apnea doctors at Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders believe in using minimally invasive treatments to help children breathe easily without relying on bulky machines.

Custom-fit dental appliances that are created especially for your child’s mouth can provide anatomically accurate alignment of the jaw, so the airway remains open during sleep. These appliances are simple to wear and maintain, making them an especially good option for pediatric patients suffering from sleep apnea symptoms. Our doctors work together with our dedicated dental staff to ensure every device is perfectly suited to the individual child it was designed for.

In addition to providing a comfortable and effective solution, custom-fit dental appliances help promote better sleep quality by reducing airway obstructions that cause snoring or interruptions in breathing. These devices are often preferred for younger patients, as they are non-invasive and can be adjusted as the child grows. By choosing this approach, our pediatric sleep apnea specialists aim to improve your child’s sleep without the need for a CPAP machine, ensuring they wake up refreshed and energized for their day.

At Koala Center for Sleep Disorders in El Paso, TX, our sleep specialists are trained to diagnose and treat pediatric sleep apnea effectively. Sleep apnea in children can lead to poor sleep quality, behavioral issues, and even developmental delays if left untreated. Our team starts with a thorough evaluation to understand your child’s symptoms, such as loud snoring, frequent waking during the night, or daytime fatigue. We may recommend a sleep study to monitor your child’s breathing patterns and diagnose sleep apnea.

Once diagnosed, we offer a range of treatments tailored to your child’s needs, including lifestyle changes, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, or even surgical options if necessary. Our goal is to help your child achieve better sleep, leading to improved mood, behavior, and overall health. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 6901 Helen of Troy, Ste D-2 El Paso, TX 79911.