Sleep apnea anyone?

[kkunzie]

My 18 month old was just diagnosed with sleep apnea. They are ordering oxygen for her at night, and I dont know how Im going to keep the canula(the plastic tubing) to stay on her face and in her nose. Shes too young to understand "dont rip this off". But her heart is at risk, if she dosnt get this oxygen. She also has pulmonary hypertension. Any ideas?
Most appreciated, Mrs K

[SimplyStar]

did a little research for you   this is a very serious illness for your daughter.  I would suggest that a pediatric  evaluation of this problem be done immediatly by a qualified Pulmonary/heart specialist.  Below are some of the things I found by googling Sleep apnea in infants,

The most common treatment for children with obstructive sleep apnea is surgical removal of both the tonsils and the adenoids (adenotonsillectomy). After removal of the tonsils and adenoids, the child's upper airway is no longer blocked. Studies indicate that adenotonsillectomy has a high cure rate in children with obstructive sleep apnea.

If sleep apnea doesn't improve with removal of the tonsils and adenoids, treatment may include use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which delivers air through the nose at a pressure that keeps the upper airway passages open during sleep.

be very proactive in getting this taken care of promptly.  good Luck  marty

[SimplyStar]

Might have to surgically implant the canula for the O2 into her chest or some place, this would prevent her puilling it out.  I remember back in the polio days, the O2 was delivered to the Bulber patients through a tracheostomy  which is a canula placed in the throat and the O2 goes through there   this is reversible when the need is not necessary anymore.

[kkunzie]

Just thought Id let you know we made an oxygen tent out of her crib.(with a funnel, ductape, and sheet) As she wouldnt keep anything on her face and is very active sleeper, would wrap the tubing around her neck. Next we'll try a pulse oximeter test to see if she is actually getting the oxygen she needs. ENT apmt tomarrow.