My son will be 4 years old in a few days and he has had sleep apnea for almost 2 years.  We took him to an ENT who gave him a prescription for rhinocort nasal inhaler.  This was supposed to shrink his adnoids and clear his nasal passage.  This worked temporarily, and we repeated the process once, about a year later.  Now his apnea is back and I'm  wondering if the only cause of apnea in children is enlarged tonsils and/or adnoids.  He does not have enlarged tonsils by the way.  I'm not sure who to turn to, because the only alternative the ENT gave us surgery.  However, I know of one other child who has had adnoids and tonsils removed and still has apnea.  
I really need some advice.

Thanks.
A Concerned Mom

Hi Fellow Mom!,

Tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy reverse obstructive sleep apnea in children 75-100% of the time.  Your friend's child must of been in that unsuccessful minority.

Tonsillectomy and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Tonsillectomy in children is pretty unpleasant (I remember it very well!!), but much easier than it is on adults.  Surgery, of course, comes with risks and may not correct your son's apnea.  If you decide to go this route, you can tell him he can have all of the ice cream he wants (it saved me)!!

I would very highly recommend a second opinion from a very good doctor who specialize in sleep medicine and sees pediatric patients (regularly would be best).  Here is a link to doctors who are diplomats of the ABSM.  I would look at major teaching hospitals and/or children's hospitals.  I know Children's Hospital in LA has the only pediatric sleep lab in Southern CA and I would think other Children's Hospital's might have them as well.

Doctor and Sleep Lab Certifications

Let us know how things progress!

Vicki


_________________
That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

Hi Kerry:
If you can get all your sleep study results and post them, perhaps we can shed a little light on what's happening.

While you're at it, ask your friend to post their pre- and post- surgical studies, it would be interesting to see what change, if any, has occured.  And also, how they're handling the OSA now if the test results are still unacceptable.
Check back.
sleepydave