Sleep Apnea in Children and Allergic Individuals

Temporary cessation of breathing?

Hello, doctor! I have a severe allergic constitution (allergic rhinitis, asthma, drug allergies, and urticaria).
When I sleep, I often unconsciously stop breathing (my husband says that after regular breathing, I suddenly stop for a few minutes and then take a deep breath to continue).
My daughter, who is 1 year and 9 months old, also experiences the same situation.
Is this normal? When I have an asthma attack, I only feel chest tightness and tingling in my head, but I do not experience the distress of not being able to breathe.
In other words, if it weren't for the chest tightness and head tingling, I wouldn't even know I was having an asthma attack.
Is this also normal? Please answer me, thank you!

vivian, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2002/03/18

Dr. Liang Hongjian reply Pediatrics

Thank you, Vivian, for your inquiry regarding the related issues.
Temporary cessation of breathing, known as apnea, is often observed in newborns and infants, particularly in premature infants.
There are many underlying causes, with common reasons including underdeveloped brain maturation in premature infants or deficiencies in certain bodily components.
Generally, apnea is detected using an apnea monitor, and episodes lasting longer than 30 seconds to one minute may present with cyanosis.
From your description, it may differ from what we typically refer to as apnea, so you may want to consult your family physician or come to our hospital for relevant examinations to clarify your concerns.
Additionally, our sleep cycles vary in depth, which may also affect the rhythm and rate of breathing; relying solely on visual observation may lead to misinterpretation.
Furthermore, during an asthma attack, mild symptoms can include nighttime coughing, chest tightness, and tingling in the hands, feet, or scalp.
These symptoms are often caused by allergic reactions leading to bronchoconstriction and peripheral vasoconstriction, which are common in the early stages of an asthma attack.

Reply Date: 2002/03/18

More Info

Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. It can occur in both adults and children and is often associated with various underlying health issues, including allergies and asthma. In your case, both you and your daughter are experiencing episodes of breath cessation during sleep, which raises important questions about the nature of these episodes and their implications for health.

Firstly, it is essential to understand that sleep apnea can manifest in different forms, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA). OSA is the most common type and occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively during sleep, leading to a blockage of the airway. CSA, on the other hand, is less common and occurs when the brain fails to send appropriate signals to the muscles that control breathing. Given your history of severe allergies and asthma, it is plausible that your symptoms could be linked to OSA, particularly if nasal congestion from allergic rhinitis is contributing to airway obstruction during sleep.

In infants and young children, sleep apnea can present differently than in adults. It is not uncommon for infants to experience periodic breathing, which includes short pauses in breathing that can last for a few seconds. However, if these pauses are prolonged (more than 20 seconds) or accompanied by other symptoms such as cyanosis (bluish skin), lethargy, or difficulty waking, it is crucial to seek medical evaluation. Your daughter's episodes of breath cessation during sleep should be monitored closely, especially given her young age. Consulting a pediatrician or a pediatric sleep specialist would be advisable to rule out any serious conditions and to determine if further evaluation, such as a sleep study, is necessary.

Regarding your experience with asthma, it is not unusual for individuals with asthma to have varying degrees of awareness of their symptoms. Some may experience classic symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath, while others may only feel mild discomfort, such as chest tightness or tingling in the extremities. This variability can be influenced by several factors, including the severity of the asthma, the presence of allergens, and individual sensitivity to asthma triggers. It is essential to manage asthma effectively, as uncontrolled asthma can lead to more severe symptoms and complications, including exacerbations that may affect sleep quality.

To address your concerns, here are some recommendations:
1. Medical Evaluation: Both you and your daughter should undergo a thorough medical evaluation. For your daughter, a pediatrician can assess her breathing patterns during sleep and determine if a sleep study is warranted. For you, an allergist or pulmonologist can evaluate your asthma management and provide guidance on controlling your symptoms.

2. Allergy Management: Since you have a history of allergic conditions, managing your allergies effectively can help reduce nasal congestion and improve airflow during sleep. This may involve the use of antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, or other allergy medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

3. Asthma Control: Ensure that your asthma is well-controlled with appropriate medications, including inhalers and any necessary long-term control medications. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider can help adjust your treatment plan as needed.

4. Sleep Hygiene: Establishing good sleep hygiene practices can improve sleep quality for both you and your daughter. This includes maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding stimulants before bedtime.

5. Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a record of any episodes of breath cessation, wheezing, or other respiratory symptoms for both you and your daughter. This information can be valuable for your healthcare provider in diagnosing and managing your conditions.

In summary, while occasional pauses in breathing during sleep can be normal in infants, persistent or prolonged episodes warrant further investigation. Your asthma symptoms should also be managed effectively to prevent complications. Consulting with healthcare professionals who specialize in sleep medicine and allergy/asthma management will provide you with the best course of action for both you and your daughter.

Similar Q&A

Managing Sleep Breathing Issues in Allergic Children: Effective Solutions

Hello Doctor: My child is currently 4 years old and has a history of allergic conditions. He/she has loud and noisy breathing during sleep and often wakes up crying at night due to nasal congestion. He/she also has a habit of sneezing, having a runny nose, and rubbing his/her eye...

Dr. Lin Sixie reply Rare Disease
Your child may be suffering from allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis can be broadly classified into two types: seasonal allergic rhinitis, which occurs during the flowering season of plants, and perennial allergic rhinitis, which is associated with year-round allergens such as d...

Tonsil Surgery for Kids: Impact on Immunity and Sleep Apnea Solutions

Hello, Dr. Li. My eight-year-old son has enlarged tonsils that affect his sleep and cause sleep apnea. An Australian doctor has recommended the removal of his tonsils and adenoids. I would like to ask if removing the tonsils and adenoids will weaken his immune system. Alternative...

Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology
If you are concerned about immune issues, you can wait until after the age of 12 to perform surgery on the tonsils and adenoids. The contribution of local immunity to overall immunity decreases with age. If surgery is not performed, you may consider exercise and weight loss for s...

Is Your Child Suffering from Sleep Apnea? Signs and Solutions

Hello, Doctor! My nephew is currently five years old. Since he was two or three years old, he has been experiencing snoring during sleep, and the situation has been getting worse. Occasionally, he has episodes of breathing cessation lasting one to two seconds. Why is he experienc...

Dr. Jian Huangqi reply Otolaryngology
Your nephew may have hypertrophic rhinitis or adenoid hypertrophy. Please consult an otolaryngologist. Thank you.

Understanding Recurring Sinusitis in Children: Allergies and Milk Sensitivity

Hello, doctor... My child is over six years old and has been experiencing sinusitis symptoms for more than six months. The symptoms recur as soon as medication is stopped. Two doctors have said it is due to allergies. When my child was nearly four years old, a blood test indicate...

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: Sinusitis and allergic rhinitis are different conditions, and their treatments vary accordingly. It is advisable to seek medical evaluation to clearly differentiate between the two. If blood tests show no allergy to milk, there should be no need to restrict its intake. If ...