Sleep apnoea is often thought of as a condition that affects adults, but it can affect children too. In both cases, breathing becomes disrupted during sleep, often without obvious warning signs.

What many people do not realise is that sleep apnoea does not behave the same way at different ages. Even when symptoms look similar, the underlying causes and treatment approaches can differ. Understanding this helps explain why management is not one-size-fits-all and why age plays an important role in how care is planned.

Sleep apnoea is a condition in which breathing repeatedly becomes shallow or pauses during sleep. These interruptions may occur many times a night and often go unnoticed by the person affected.

Snoring happens when airflow causes tissues in the throat to vibrate. While it can be loud, breathing continues. In sleep apnoea, airflow is partially or completely blocked, leading to pauses in breathing and drops in oxygen levels.

Over time, these disruptions affect sleep quality and can lead to daytime fatigue and other health concerns. Because the changes occur during sleep, sleep apnoea is often mistaken for simple snoring.

In adults, sleep apnoea is treated using approaches that support the airway during sleep.

One of the most common treatments is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, which delivers gentle air pressure to prevent airway collapse. CPAP is effective at controlling symptoms and reducing health risks, but it requires regular use.

Some adults with mild to moderate sleep apnoea may benefit from oral appliances, which are worn during sleep to improve airflow by repositioning the jaw or tongue.

Lifestyle measures such as weight management, reducing alcohol intake, and positional therapy may also help and are often used alongside other treatments.

In selected cases, surgery may be considered when there is a clear anatomical factor contributing to airway obstruction or when other treatments are not suitable.

In children, treatment focuses on addressing the physical cause of airway obstruction.

The most common cause is enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which is why tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are frequently recommended. Many children experience significant improvement after treatment.

Other contributing factors, such as nasal allergies or chronic nasal inflammation, may also be treated to improve airflow during sleep.

In mild cases, careful monitoring may be appropriate. CPAP therapy may be used in specific situations, such as when surgery is not suitable or when symptoms persist.

Although sleep apnoea in adults and children may look similar, the condition has different underlying drivers at different stages of life.

In children, sleep apnoea is usually caused by physical obstruction that can often be corrected. In adults, the condition is more commonly related to airway collapse during sleep, influenced by factors such as muscle tone, soft tissue changes, jaw structure, and weight.

The consequences of untreated sleep apnoea also differ. In children, disrupted sleep can affect learning, behaviour, and physical development. In adults, long-term risks include cardiovascular disease, metabolic conditions, and reduced alertness during the day.

Because of these differences, treatment decisions must take age, anatomy, and long-term health into account. This is why it is crucial to be assessed by an ENT specialist who is experienced in both adult and paediatric care.

Sleep apnoea is not always easy to recognise, particularly when symptoms occur during sleep.

Adults may benefit from assessment if snoring is persistent, breathing pauses are observed during sleep, or daytime fatigue affects daily functioning. Children may show signs such as mouth breathing, snoring, restless sleep, behavioural changes, or learning difficulties.

Early evaluation helps determine whether symptoms are related to sleep apnoea and guides appropriate treatment.

Effective treatment for sleep apnoea begins with a personalised plan based on careful assessment and an understanding of individual risk factors. Depending on the cause and severity, treatment may include lifestyle adjustments, CPAP therapy, oral appliances, or targeted surgical procedures.

Addressing sleep apnoea can lead to meaningful improvements in sleep quality, long-term health, and daily functioning. If you suspect that you or a loved one may have sleep apnoea, seeking expert guidance is an important first step. For a comprehensive consultation and a treatment plan tailored to your needs, please contact our ENT specialist clinic.