Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2012 Mar;55(3):139-143. 10.3342/kjorl-hns.2012.55.3.139.

Developmental Characteristics of Upper Airway Anatomy in Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea

• Lee SH

• KMID: 2277331
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3342/kjorl-hns.2012.55.3.139

Abstract

The obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in child refers that a sleep-related breathing disorder is characterized by prolonged partial and/or intermittent complete collapse of the upper airway, and is associated with intermittent hypoxemia, frequent arousal and various clinical symptoms. The upper airway in child is continuously changing along with the growth from neonatal to adolescence. In many studies, it is reported that there are some different points in the clinical manifestations, predisposing factors, and patterns of polysomnographic data in child with OSAS, compared with those in adult. In addition, the upper airway of child has considerable anatomic differences from that of adult. Therefore, to elucidate the pathophysiology in child with OSAS, it is very important to understand the developmental characteristics and anatomical features of the upper airway structure through childhood. This review will provide some information about the structural and developmental feature of the upper airway in child.

Keyword

Upper airway; Sleep apnea; Child; Anatomy

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Adult
Anoxia
Arousal
Child
Humans
Respiration
Sleep Apnea Syndromes
Sleep Apnea, Obstructive