Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders of Childhood: Description and Clinical Picture, Diagnosis, and Treatment Approaches

The clinical manifestations and treatments for sleep-related breathing disorders are substantially different for children compared with adults. This article addresses clinical aspects of sleep-related breathing disorders in children, with particular focus on sleep and daytime symptoms, polysomnography, and options for surgical and medical treatment. Obstructive sleep apnea is examined in greatest detail, but upper airway resistance syndrome and sleep-related hypoventilation are also considered.