does anyone's DC have sleep apnea? Advice needed

[madrose]

hello, just wondering if anyone has any experience re sleep apnea and treatment. My DD 21 mths - has always has sleep apnea, when awake or asleep she holds her breath for about 5 seconds.

I haven't been overlly concerned as I have apnea too, and TBH thought it was a genetic thing. She also breathes very noisily, and had breathing difficulties when born.

But I have mentioned it to the HV and the GP and today we saw the consultant.

She has enlarged adnenoids and tonsils (unfortunately another genetic trait)and he wanted her to have surgery.

TBH I was a bit gobsmacked and basicually said no - personally I think she's too little, and my sister had her's removed and its made no difference.

Also I know that as she gets older they will begin to reduce.

But when I said no - he told me that there was a risk of heart problems and developmental problems re the apnea and in his opinion it was the adnenoids and tonsils that was causing the problem.

So we've agreed to put her a very low dose antibiotic for three months to see if that will help to reduce adnenoids and tonsils and help with breathing.

She's never had antibotics before - and not keen on this cause of treatment. I know it's low dose and specfic to water infections and throat infections. In otherwords it's not a 'broad spectrum' antibiotic.

Anyway - sorry for the long winge, but was just wondering if anyone in the wide experience of MN had experience this and possible treatment/remedies.

My DD is a typical 21 month old - cheeky, developing well, sleeping well has her own mind etc.

cheers

Sorry don't have any experience with apnea with dcs, but was on look out for it since DH has it. All I can say is that when he was first diagnosed (not until late 20s) he was told that his heart had had to work much harder due to lack of deep sleep. He has a CPAP machine at night (needs to lose some weight before they will operate) - without which dr told him he would shorten his life by up to 10 years.

Other than surgery, the only treatment I know of is the CPAP, but she is probably too young.

Sorry, that probably doesn't help at all. Hopefully someone with a child in the same situation will post.

Good luck.

madrose - my ds2 ( well all of them actually, but he was worst ) have had problems with tonsils/adenoids. He used to snore for England and then all would be quiet as he stopped breathing, then his snoring would kick in again a few seconds later. He didn't sleep well at all.

He had his tonsils/adenoids out and grommits fitted when he was just over 2 1/2. It was the best thing we ever did. Everything improved for him; eating, sleeping, behaviour and speech.

Ds1 had the same op at 3 years old. Dd would have had it too but she has other health problems that mean she is more at risk under GA so we decided against.

Obviously you have to make the best decision for your child but surgery really did make a huge difference to mine.

Good friends of mine have a 4 year old who had his adenoids, tonsils and grommets put in for quite severe sleep apnea probs. His chest was actually beginning to change shape as the effort to breathe in when he was alseep was huge. Quite scarey watching him sleep actually. He is now fine.

Adenoids and tonsils removed obviously

Thank you - just been reading up and with your advice - I think surgery is something to consider.

My first reaction was shock at the thought of my baby having to undergo a general.

But having read up the various problems that apnea can cause, it is something I need to sort out for her. We'll try the antibiotics for three months and we've got another appointment with the consultant in March. And I suppose I better get myself check out.

A bit freaked out now TBH - probably overreacting.

many thanks