Skip to main content

Featured post

Otitis Externa and Otinova

  Otitis Externa and Otinova: A Practical, No-Nonsense Guide If your ear suddenly feels itchy, sore, blocked, or painful after swimming or showering, you may be dealing with otitis externa —often called “swimmer’s ear.” The good news: most cases are very treatable with the right early steps. This guide explains what otitis externa is, why it happens, where Otinova fits in, and when to escalate quickly. What is otitis externa? Otitis externa is inflammation (and sometimes infection) of the skin lining the external ear canal. It commonly presents with: Ear pain (often worse when touching or pulling the outer ear) Itching Fullness/blockage Reduced hearing from swelling/debris Sometimes watery discharge Otinova’s own instruction documents describe it as treatment for ear canal inflammation/eczema (swimmer’s ear). Why does it happen? The ear canal is protected by a mildly acidic environment and a skin barrier. Otitis externa tends to flare ...

Sleep apnoea in children is no laughing matter.

 



What are the signs of sleep apnoea in children?

 

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects both adults and children. In children, the signs of sleep apnea can be different from those in adults. Here are some signs of sleep apnea in children:

 

Snoring: Loud, persistent snoring is the most common sign of sleep apnea in children.

 

Pauses in breathing: Children with sleep apnea may stop breathing for a few seconds during sleep, and then gasp or snort to catch their breath.

 

Restless sleep: Children with sleep apnea may toss and turn in bed and may sleep in unusual positions.

 

Daytime sleepiness: Children with sleep apnea may be excessively sleepy during the day, have trouble staying awake in class, or have difficulty concentrating.

 

Bedwetting: Children with sleep apnea may wet the bed even after they have been potty-trained.

 

Behavioral problems: Sleep apnea in children can cause irritability, aggression, and other behavioral problems.

 

Developmental delays: Children with sleep apnea may experience delays in their physical or cognitive development.

 

If you suspect that your child has sleep apnea, it's important to consult with a pediatrician or sleep specialist. They can help diagnose the condition and recommend appropriate treatment options.



Can sleep apnoea affect my child's development?

 

Yes, sleep apnea can potentially affect a child's development if left untreated. Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person's breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep, which can cause a variety of problems. In children, sleep apnea can lead to:

 

Poor academic performance: Children with sleep apnea may have trouble concentrating and focusing in school, leading to poor academic performance.

 

Behavioural issues: Sleep apnea can cause irritability, hyperactivity, and other behavioural issues in children.

 

Growth problems: Sleep apnea has been linked to growth problems in children, such as delayed physical and cognitive development.

 

Cardiovascular problems: Sleep apnea can also lead to cardiovascular problems in children, such as high blood pressure.

 

It's important to note that not all children with sleep apnea will experience these problems, and some may only have mild symptoms. However, if you suspect your child has sleep apnea, it's important to talk to their healthcare provider. They may recommend a sleep study to diagnose the condition and suggest appropriate treatment options, including lifestyle changes, medical treatment, or surgery.

 

Does video recording help in the diagnosis of sleep apnoea in children?

 

Video recording may be useful in diagnosing sleep apnea in children. Video recording can provide valuable information about your child's sleep habits, such as snoring or pauses in breathing, which can help healthcare providers determine if further evaluation is necessary.

 

However, in some cases sleep study is needed diagnosing of sleep apnea in children. The sleep study measures multiple parameters, including breathing, oxygen levels, and brain waves, to diagnose sleep apnea and determine its severity.

 

In some cases, video recording may be used in conjunction with a sleep study to help diagnose sleep apnea. For example, a healthcare provider may ask you to record a video of your child sleeping at home before their sleep study to provide additional information about their sleep patterns.

 

If you suspect your child has sleep apnea, it's essential to talk to their healthcare provider. They can recommend the appropriate diagnostic tests and treatment options to help manage your child's sleep apnea and prevent potential complications.

 

 

 

How is the sleep apnoea treated in children?

 

The treatment for sleep apnea in children may vary depending on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. Here are some common treatments that may be recommended by healthcare providers:

 

Adenotonsillectomy: If enlarged tonsils or adenoids are causing sleep apnea in children, a surgical procedure called adenotonsillectomy may be recommended. This procedure involves removing the tonsils and adenoids to open up the airway.

 

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy: CPAP therapy involves wearing a mask over the nose or mouth during sleep, which delivers a continuous stream of air to keep the airway open. This treatment is typically recommended for moderate to severe sleep apnea in children who are unable to have surgery.

 

Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle changes may be recommended for mild sleep apnea in children. These changes may include losing weight (if the child is overweight), avoiding allergens, and avoiding sedatives or alcohol.

 

Positional therapy: Sleeping in certain positions can worsen sleep apnea in some children. Positional therapy involves using devices that encourage sleeping on the side, which can help reduce sleep apnea symptoms.

 

Oral appliances: Oral appliances may be recommended for older children with mild to moderate sleep apnea. These devices are worn in the mouth during sleep and help keep the airway open.

 

It's important to work with your child's healthcare provider to determine the best treatment option for their individual needs. Treating sleep apnea in children can help improve their quality of life and prevent potential complications.

 

Mr Gaurav Kumar

Consultant ENT Surgeon

Call for an Appointment

07494914140

Book Online


Disclaimer: For general information only, always seek advice from your treating consultant.








Popular Post

Coblation Tonsillectomy

Hi Guys, Let us talk about your tonsils and adenoids. Tonsils and adenoids are part of the immune system and help fight germs. Sometimes these tissues become infected and is called tonsillitis. When you have tonsillitis, you can feel sore to eat and drink, have the temperature, and can even have difficulty in breathing. This can be treated by a procedure called Tonsillectomy. Mr Kumar may advise you to have your tonsils removed if you have tonsil stones, if your airway is blocked due to large tonsils making you choke at night ie sleep apnoea or one tonsil is bigger than other. Tonsillectomy can be done by the traditional techniques using cold steel, electrocautery or coblation.  Cold steel and elctrocautery has moderate to severe pain in postoperative period. With new coblation technique, post operative pain is very low leading to quicker recovery.  Coblation is an advanced technology that combines gentle radiofrequency energy with natural saline — to quickly, and safely r...
Read more

Earbuds vs Over-Ears: Which One Is Silently Damaging Your Hearing?

Headphones are no longer an occasional accessory—they’re part of daily life. From early-morning podcasts to late-night playlists, our ears are spending more time under acoustic load than ever before. But a question keeps coming up in clinics, classrooms, and conversations around ear health: Are earbuds worse for your hearing than over-ear headphones? Let’s move beyond opinion and aesthetics. By looking at sound pressure levels , hygiene , and long-term listening behaviour , we can reach a clear, evidence-informed conclusion. 1. Sound Pressure Levels: Distance Matters More Than You Think The single most important factor in headphone-related hearing risk is the amount of sound energy that  reaches the inner ear . Earbuds (In-Ear Headphones) Sit millimetres from the eardrum Deliver sound directly into the ear canal Require lower absolute power , but often result in higher sound pressure at the cochlea Users tend to increase volume in noisy environments (commuting, g...
Read more

What are different types of nasal sprays?

Nasal sprays are a popular form of medication for treating nasal allergy symptoms. They are sprayed directly into the nose to target the symptoms without affecting the rest of the body. There are many types of nasal sprays available, both prescription and over-the-counter. Here is a quick guide to the different types: Nasal Steroid Sprays: These are usually one of the first-line allergy therapies. They decrease inflammation within the nasal passages and relieve nasal congestion, sneezing, watery eyes, and runny nose. Many of these sprays are available over the counter. Some common generic and brand names include Budesonide, Ciclesonide, Fluticasone, Flunisolide, Mometasone, Rhinocort, Omnaris, Zetonna, Flonase, Nasonex, Nasacort, Xhance, Beconase, Nasarel, Qnasl, Vancenase, Veramyst, and Zetonna Nasal Decongestant Sprays: These sprays temporarily relieve nasal congestion by constricting the blood vessels in the nose, reducing nasal swelling and congestion. They are available over the...
Read more

"Naseptin: Powerful Defence Against Nasal Bacteria!"

  Everything You Need to Know About Using Naseptin Nasal Cream   If you've been dealing with nasal issues, you may have come across Naseptin nasal cream as a potential solution. Whether you suffer from recurrent nasal infections (vestibulitis), nose bleeds or simply need some relief from nasal dryness, Naseptin can be a valuable aid. In this blog, we'll cover everything you need to know about using Naseptin nasal cream to ensure you get the best results from this trusted product.   Unlocking the Power of Naseptin Nasal Cream: A Guide to Its Versatile Uses   Naseptin nasal cream, a powerful ally in nasal health, holds the key to treating infections caused by staphylococcal bacteria. This versatile cream offers much more than meets the eye, and we're here to shed light on its incredible benefits! 🌟 👃 Kicking Nose Infections to the Curb: Say goodbye to those troublesome nose infections! Naseptin comes to the rescue, targeting staphylococcal bacteria and...
Read more

“Where Are Your Tonsils? Your Health’s First Line of Defence!”

  Where Are Your Tonsils Located?   Learn About Their Position and Importance for Your Health Have you ever wondered where your tonsils are and why their location is significant for your health? Let's explore the fascinating world of tonsils and understand their crucial role in your body's defence system. What Are Tonsils? Tonsils are two oval-shaped masses of lymphoid tissue located at the back of your throat. They are part of your immune system, which is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against harmful invaders. The tonsils are vital in protecting your body from infections. They are often referred to as the "first line of defence" because they are strategically positioned to catch and filter out germs that enter through your mouth or nose. Where Exactly Are They Located? Your tonsils are situated in the pharynx, just behind the soft palate. There are two tonsils, one on each side of your throat. If you open your ...
Read more

Is Ear Wax Removal Safe?

  What is ear wax? The ear canal has two zones, outer ear canal lined by skin having hair and sweat glands and inner ear canal containing only skin covering bone next to eardrum. Earwax, medically known as cerumen, is a mixture of sweat, secretions from the sebaceous gland and dead cells. Therefore, the amount of secretions you have in your ear wax can be of two major types, wet ear wax and dry ear wax. Why do some people have more ear wax problems/ build-up? The first thing to know is everyone makes wax, and some naturally more and some less. Secondly, the shape of the ear canal can predispose you to have more earwax problems. You may have a hairy ear canal or narrow ear canal, which can trap more than the usual amount of ear wax you produce. Thirdly, if produce ear wax which gets stuck to the ear canal, it becomes difficult to fall out. Some people may push ear wax in if they are using insert headphones, i.e. earpods, earplugs for noise reduction or swimming/hearing aids. What ar...
Read more

Is my dizziness due to vestibular migraine?

  What's a vestibular migraine? Vestibular migraine is also known as migraine-related dizziness, migraine with prominent vertigo or migrainous vertigo. Patients will have vertigo symptoms, dizziness or imbalance, and some migraine symptoms. It is vital to understand that not all vestibular migraine patients will have headaches as the main symptoms. So migraine symptoms can be any of these: headache with or without nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to sound or lights or motion sickness. Each episode can last for minutes to hours. What causes or triggers a vestibular migraine? A lot of factors can trigger a vestibular migraine attack. The most common trigger factors are stress and anxiety, poor sleep hygiene, fasting and dehydration, menstrual cycle and food such as chocolate, cheese and red wine. How is vestibular migraine diagnosed? Diagnosis of vestibular migraine solely depends on patients history of symptoms. It is beneficial to record his or her episode in a vertigo or dizziness...
Read more

"Don't Let Glue Ear Hold Your Child Back: 10 Smart Management Techniques You Need to Know!"

  Parenting Tips for Effectively Managing Glue Ear in Children     Glue ear, also known as otitis media with effusion, is a common condition among children where fluid builds up in the middle ear. It can lead to hearing difficulties and other related issues. As a parent, it's important to understand how to manage glue ear effectively to support your child's well-being. In this article, we will provide you with some valuable parenting tips to help you navigate this condition.   1.        Recognize the Signs and Symptoms: Be aware of the signs that your child may be experiencing glue ear. These can include hearing difficulties, speech delays, frequent ear infections, balance problems, and irritability. If you suspect glue ear, consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis.   2.        Communication and Support: Maintain open and honest communication with your child about their hearing difficul...
Read more

Why do I get nose bleeds?

What is nose bleed or epistaxis? Inside of the nose is lined by mucosa which is very rich in blood vessels. One of the main functions of the nose is to humidify the air we breathe in and out.  Humidication is naturally achieved by mucous cells lining the nose. Blood vessels can become weak due to dryness, high pressure behind the vessels or hormonal changes. What are different kinds of nose bleeds? In simple terms, one can have an anterior nose bleed or posterior nose bleed. Anterior nose bleed is when most of the blood comes out through the nostril and some you spit out. Posterior nose bleed is when you spit most of the blood and little comes out through nostril. Why do children have nose bleeds? It is very common for children between 2 to 10 to have nose bleeds. Dry weather during summers and dry air indoors during winters due to heating tends to dry nasal mucosa. Dry nasal mucosa, in turns, makes it itchy for children to rub their nose and lead to...
Read more

Hoarseness or change in voice...

When should I get worried about my change in voice? Change in voice can be due to so many causes. It can be due to simple things like acid reflux, chronic cough, flu, post nasal drip leading to frequent throat clearing or due to cancer on the voice box.  "IF YOU HAVE CHANGE IN VOICE WHICH IS GETTING WORSE FOR MORE THAN 3 WEEKS, YOU NEED TO SEE AN ENT SURGEON." Other symptoms which can be present with a change in voice in cases of laryngeal cancer be weight loss when you are not dieting, a lump in the throat, earache, shortness of breath, throat pain. How does the ENT surgeon diagnose what is causing my hoarseness? Change is voice can be due to both non-cancer and cancerous reasons. On a visit to ENT voice specialist, he or she will take a full detailed history, access how your profession is affecting your voice and how voice change is affecting your job. After recording your quality of sound, an endoscope (a thin tube with a camera attached) is used to ...
Read more