Paediatric Sleep & Respiratory Services

Many sleep and respiratory disorders in children, such as obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and asthma, are directly related to respiratory issues and are preventable to a large extent. If your child is experiencing sleep or respiratory difficulties, consulting with a paediatric sleep & respiratory specialist can be an important step towards better sleep and overall health.

As parents, recognising and addressing respiratory issues early can be crucial for your child’s development, health, and well-being. Some overlapping symptoms between OSA and asthma may not be apparent, both leading to potential long-term consequences if left untreated. With the right guidance and support, a paediatric sleep and respiratory specialist can help your child achieve the preventive measures and cures they need for their growing minds and bodies.

At Children’s Health Hub, our specialists can provide comprehensive evaluations and tailor treatment plans that cater to your child’s specific needs, ensuring a holistic approach to improving their breathing patterns. Before booking an appointment, we encourage you to get a referral from your GP.

What Does a

Paediatric Respiratory Specialist Do?

A paediatric respiratory and sleep specialist is trained to understand and address the unique sleep and respiratory challenges faced by children. Some common issues in children can range from wheezing, gasping, snoring, trouble falling asleep to irregular sleep patterns and sleep-related breathing problems.

Early and effective treatment is essential to mitigate the impact of asthma and OSA on a child’s health, development, and overall well-being.

Who Do We Help?

Around 1% to 5% of children in Australia experience obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and around 10% suffer from asthma, which leads to sleep and respiratory issues or hypoxia. Children with asthma or sleep apnoea often experience poor sleep quality, which disrupts their sleep cycle and leads to fatigue during the day. This can result in behavioural issues and developmental challenges, potentially affecting their learning and performance at school.

Some common sleep-related and daytime symptoms include:

Wheezing
Snoring
Bed-wetting
Pauses in breathing, gasping sounds
Hot sweat at night
Restlessness while sleeping
Tendency to sleep in an unusual way
Tiredness
Irritability and mood changes
Morning headaches
Lack of appetite
Blocked nose
Impacts learning and growth

Wheezing
Snoring
Bed-wetting
Pauses in breathing, gasping sounds
Hot sweat at night
Restlessness while sleeping
Tendency to sleep in an unusual way
Tiredness
Irritability and mood changes
Morning headaches
Lack of appetite
Blocked nose
Impacts learning and growth

How Do We Address

OSA and Respiratory Issues in children?

Our specialists use various diagnostic tools – including regular monitoring for symptoms and sleep studies – to assess and understand your child’s sleep patterns and respiratory issues. They uncover the primary causes of obstructive sleep apnoea in children, which may include:

We then develop a comprehensive treatment plan that may involve lifestyle changes, medical intervention, or the use of specific devices to improve your child’s sleep quality and respiratory function. Our role is crucial in ensuring that children with these conditions receive the care they need for better health and well-being.

When Should You See a Doctor About Your Child’s Sleep Patterns?

When it comes to your child’s sleep patterns, it’s important to monitor them for any signs of irregularity or difficulty. While occasional sleep disruptions are normal, persistent or severe issues warrant a closer look. Here are some key indicators that it’s time to consult a doctor:

Any issue significantly affecting your child's mood, focus, academic performance, or overall well-being warrants a visit to a specialist. Professional advice can help address these concerns effectively.

Even if sleep disturbances don't seem to affect daytime activities, breathing issues like coughing, wheezing, or sudden breathing interruptions at night should be evaluated by a doctor, as they could indicate conditions like asthma or sleep apnoea.

When adjustments in bedtime routines or sleep environments don't resolve your child's sleep problems, seeking professional help is a sensible step - especially when these issues also affect your sleep.

If you're worried about your child's respiratory health or sleep patterns, consult a specialist. Even if the outcome is reassuring, it will bring peace of mind.

Child Breathing Problems? Let Us Help.

If you’re noticing symptoms of sleep apnoea or asthma in your child, such as difficulty in breathing, disrupted sleep, loud snoring, or pauses in breathing at night, it’s important to address these concerns promptly.

Before scheduling an appointment with one of our sleep specialists at Children’s Health Hub, it’s necessary to obtain a referral from your primary care physician. This step ensures that our paediatric respiratory doctors have all the relevant medical information and background about your child’s health and respiratory concerns.

Paediatric Sleep & Respiratory Services