Hi folks -

As a parent with sleep apnea and using a biPAP machine, I am probably more tuned in than most to sleep issues.

I have an 8 year old son who just started (within the last 10 days or so) waking up choking/gasping like he aspirated something. When he gasps awake, he is usually sweaty and coughs for a few minutes to clear his throat. The other night he didn't even really wake up when this happened and I came into his room. He did not remember it the next morning.

He does not snore. He sleeps well, but wakes up early (6:30am). He is NOT tired during the day and he is skinny. He has been growing well - tall for his age, but  a bit on the thin side. He is active during the day and I wish he could share some of that energy with me! LOL

I am wondering what this gasping is. It seems to have just started and is VERY dramatic. I wonder if he does this more during the night but we don't hear him because we are already asleep. Most of these episodes have occured about 2 hours after he goes to sleep (around 10:30pm at night or so).

Suggestions? Thoughts?

Alli (a worried mom!)

Hi there,

I have an 8yo on cpap.  My first thoughts are has he been sick recently?  Is it possibly reflux that is making him gasp/choke?  Does he have allergies that may be acting up?  Do you have an old baby monitor where you could listen to him for a night or so to see if this is more frequent than you think?

I would have him checked out by the ped before getting extremely worried.  If it just started it might have another cause other than apnea.

Tatamom and her mini-hosehead Chris

He may not snore, but may still have Adenoid or Tonsil issues. I'd have him checked out. If they are normal, then something else needs to be pursued.


_________________
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Sleep Apnea is a Killer! Get it Tested!
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Mom's hunches are almost always right. Go with your gut!

Tiffany

tatamom wrote:

Hi there,

I have an 8yo on cpap.  My first thoughts are has he been sick recently?  Is it possibly reflux that is making him gasp/choke?  Does he have allergies that may be acting up?  Do you have an old baby monitor where you could listen to him for a night or so to see if this is more frequent than you think?

I would have him checked out by the ped before getting extremely worried.  If it just started it might have another cause other than apnea.

Tatamom and her mini-hosehead Chris

No, he hasn't been sick lately or have reflux (that we know of!). To date, he doesn't have allergies.

The monitor is a good idea. I think I will try that and see if it is happening more often than I hear.

Thanks SO much!

Alli (hoshead, herself!LOL)

Alli -- I'm a fellow hosehead with an 11 year old son who is starting with his cpap machine tonight.  Trust your gut.  I really wish I had followed up on my worries earlier.  Also -- my son has reflux but never notices it.  I can tell by his breath he has issues but he has almost never complained... my hubby is that way too -- no pain or burning, just terrible breath when he eats food that irritate him.  It is worth it to get checked... trust me!  Best of luck!