Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome in children is a sleep disorder characterized by prolonged partial (hypopnea) or intermittent complete obstruction (apnea) of the upper airways during sleep. This collapse of the airflow, located at the level of the oropharynx and the base of the tongue, is related to an increase in the negative pressure in the upper airways during inspiration.

The prevalence, etiologies and risk factors in children are different from adults.

The diagnosis is based on the combination of nocturnal and diurnal functional symptoms and morphological signs and is confirmed by specific complementary examinations. Treatment is aimed at promoting nasal ventilation and preventing airway collapse. Several therapeutic possibilities can be considered within the framework of a multidisciplinary approach, some of them relate to pedodontics and dentofacial orthopedics in children, and others concern pediatrics and ORL.

The objective of our work is to highlight OSAHS in its overall and specific aspect, as well as to highlight the role of the pedodontist in the early detection of this disorder, in order to ensure effective management.