Adenotonsillectomy for the treatment of Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea A Clinical Review

Authors

Amita B. Sharma, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Head & Neck Surgery, Otolaryngology

Advisor

Dr T. Colletti DHSc, MPAS, PA-C, FFAAPA

Abstract

Pediatric Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was initially described many years ago and is widely recognized as a cause of morbidity in children as it may lead to neurobehavioral, cardiovascular, endocrine, and metabolic complications. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). SDB includes a number of respiratory conditions, which are intensified during sleep usually due to increased airway resistance secondary to oropharyngeal crowding, adenoidal enlargement obesity, and anatomical deformity. Treatment options for pediatric OSA include approaches that vary from observation, and supportive care, nasal steroids to surgical intervention which entails providing space to resolve the adenoidal and oropharyngeal crowding, improve craniofacial growth, resolve all symptoms, and prevent further disease progression in the adult years. Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy (TA) which refers to the surgical removal of the tonsils, and adenoids, is the primary treatment of choice to significantly resolve symptoms associated with pediatric OSA. The objective of this article is to update providers, and parents about the main causes, treatments, and complications of obstructive sleep apnea in the pediatric population.

Recommended Citation

Sharma AB. Adenotonsillectomy for the treatment of Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea A Clinical Review. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2023; 5(2).