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THE DANGERS OF PEDIATRIC SLEEP APNEA
Last month, we addressed how a pediatric ENT doctor can help diagnose sleep disorders in children. There are a number of common pediatric sleep disorders, such as insomnia or restless legs syndrome, but one of the most damaging and underdiagnosed sleep disorders is sleep apnea. This is a condition in which the airways are blocked during sleep, which causes a person to stop breathing and wake up hundreds of times a night. Many people assume that only adults can suffer from sleep apnea. In reality, up to 4% of children may suffer from undiagnosed sleep apnea. The reason so many children with sleep apnea don’t receive treatment is because the symptoms of sleep apnea are often mistaken for “normal” childhood behaviors. Common signs of sleep apnea, such as tossing and turning, night sweats, and snoring, are regarded as kids just being “restless sleepers.” Sleep apnea can also cause kids to feel sleepy during the day. Many parents make the mistake of assuming kids who are tired during the day just need to go to bed earlier. It’s incredibly important for parents to recognize the signs of sleep apnea. This sleep disorder can cause a number of major health and behavioral problems throughout a child’s lifetime. Complications due to sleep apnea can include:
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Bed-wetting
Slowed growth
Hormonal/metabolic issues
Behavioral problems (irritability, lack of concentration, easily distracted, acting out)
Children with sleep apnea can also be misdiagnosed with attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) because they can become hyperactive when tired during the day.
There are a number of reasons why someone may develop sleep apnea. In children, sleep apnea is most commonly caused by enlarged tonsils or adenoids. If you suspect your child may be suffering from sleep apnea, then call Texan ENT right away. We can help you schedule a sleep study to determine if your child really has sleep apnea and guide you through the next steps if they do.
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High blood pressure
Increased risk of stroke or heart attack
HAVE A LAUGH
Spicy Salmon Cucumber Bites
INSPIRED BY NOMNOMPALEO.COM
There’s nothing quite like a refreshing treat on a warm summer’s day. Mix up this cool appetizer for your new favorite snack.
Ingredients
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1 tbsp chopped chives Salt and pepper, to taste 1 English cucumber, peeled
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1/4 cup paleo mayonnaise 1/4 tsp smoked paprika 1/4 tsp Tabasco, or to taste
4 cherry tomatoes, quartered for garnish
1/2 lb salmon, cooked 1 tbsp minced shallots
Directions
1. In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, paprika, and Tabasco. 2. Flake the salmon into large bite-size pieces. 3. Add the salmon, shallots, chives, salt, and pepper to the Tabasco mixture and combine. 4. Cut the cucumber into 3/4-inch slices. 5. Using a melon-baller, scoop out the center of each cucumber slice but leave the bottom fully intact so the filling doesn’t fall through. 6. Divide the salmon mixture and put dollops into each cucumber slice. 7. Garnish with cherry tomato.
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