SLEEP-RELATED UPPER-AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

Childhood obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and upper-airway res istance syndrome may cause sleep disruption, leading to a variety of s econdary nighttime and daytime symptoms. School-aged children and teen agers may present with one or several secondary symptoms (e.g., freque nt nighttime waking, excessive daytime somnolence) with parents often unaware of their relationship to sleep-related upper-airway obstructio n. Preschool children with OSAS may exhibit daytime behavior problems, again with parents unaware of the link with nighttime breathing diffi culties. A working knowledge of the many manifestations of childhood O SAS can be invaluable in the approach to a variety of sleep and behavi oral problems.