Diagnosis

To diagnose pediatric sleep apnea, the doctor will review your child's symptoms and medical history and conduct a physical exam. Your child may have an examination of the neck, mouth and tongue, and adenoids. Your doctor might order several tests to diagnose the condition.

Tests might include:

• Polysomnogram. Doctors evaluate your child's condition during an overnight sleep study. This test uses sensors applied to the body to record brain wave activity, breathing patterns, snoring, oxygen levels, heart rate and muscle activity while your child sleeps.
• Oximetry. If doctors strongly suspect obstructive sleep apnea, and a full polysomnogram isn't needed or available, an overnight recording of oxygen levels might help make the diagnosis. Oximetry can be done at home. However, it sometimes fails to give the diagnosis, in which case your child will still need to have a polysomnogram.
• Electrocardiogram. In an electrocardiogram, sensor patches with wires attached (electrodes) measure the electrical impulses given off by your child's heart. Doctors may use this test to determine if your child has an underlying heart condition.