Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea

Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea affects 1–5% of children, most commonly due to adenotonsillar hypertrophy, which narrows the airway and causes recurrent obstruction during sleep. Symptoms include snoring, apneas, restless sleep, and daytime behavioral issues. Polysomnography is the diagnostic gold standard. Adenotonsillectomy remains first-line treatment, with CPAP, weight control, or medical therapy for residual disease. Early intervention prevents neurocognitive and cardiopulmonary sequelae.