Therapies for Children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

The mainstays of therapy for obstructive sleep apnea in children are adenotonsillectomy and positive airway pressure. Nonsurgical therapies, including anti-inflammatory medications, dental devices, and weight loss, may be useful in specific circumstances. Airway surgery has been shown to be effective in children with craniofacial abnormalities, but not in the general pediatric population. Children with Down syndrome, craniofacial abnormalities, obesity, or Prader-Willi syndrome are at increased risk for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and may require more frequent polysomnography and specific therapies.