The manifestation of OSA in children may be presented in different ways to adults. Whilst they may also snore and develop apnoeas during sleep they may also exhibit behavioural and concentration problems, developmental delays and possible cardiac dysfunction. The disruptive, aggressive behaviour is commonly inappropriately diagnosed as behaviour disorders in children. Check out this publication on the management of Paediatric patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.

Adult patients are commonly overweight, whereas there are more significant risk factors in children. These include adenotonsillar hypertrophy, craniofacial abnormalities, severe allergic rhinitis, tumours and neuromuscular weakness. Increases in paediatric obesity rates have markedly increased the risk of OSA in children.