The first step in the assessment is gathering detailed information about your child’s medical and sleep history. We’ll ask about:

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• Sleep patterns: How does your child sleep? Do they snore, breathe through their mouth, or wake up frequently? Are they restless or do they experience nightmares?

• Daytime behavior: Does your child exhibit signs of fatigue, irritability, hyperactivity, or difficulty concentrating during the day? These can all be linked to poor sleep quality.

• Breathing habits: We’ll ask about your child’s typical breathing patterns, both during the day and while sleeping. Do they often breathe through their mouth? Do they have difficulty breathing through their nose?

• Medical history: Any past or current medical conditions, allergies, or respiratory issues will be noted, as these can contribute to airway and sleep problems

Next, our specialists may conduct a physical examination of your child’s airway and oral structures. This is a gentle and thorough evaluation that includes examination of:

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• Nasal passages: We’ll check for any blockages or structural issues, such as enlarged adenoids or deviated septum, that might obstruct nasal breathing.

• Oral cavity: The position of the tongue, the shape of the palate (roof of the mouth), and any signs of a tongue tie or other oral restrictions will be assessed.

• Facial structure: We’ll evaluate your child’s facial growth and development, as certain patterns can indicate underlying airway issues. For example, a long, narrow face or a recessed chin may suggest a compromised airway.

• Tonsils and adenoids: Enlarged tonsils and adenoids are common contributors to airway obstruction in children. We’ll assess their size and discuss whether further evaluation might be necessary.

In some cases, if the initial screening suggests a potential sleep disorder, we may recommend a sleep study or a home sleep test. A sleep study, also known as a polysomnogram, is a detailed test that monitors your child’s sleep patterns, breathing, and other vital signs overnight.

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A home sleep test is a more convenient, yet still effective, way to gather important information about your child's sleep. This test can be done in the comfort of your own home, where your child may feel more relaxed and comfortable.

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Both options provide valuable data that can help us better understand your child’s sleep quality and identify any underlying sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea.

To gain further insight into how airway issues may be affecting your child’s daily life, we may ask you to complete some questionnaires. These assessments focus on:

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• Sleepiness and fatigue: How tired does your child feel during the day? Do they struggle to wake up in the morning or seem drowsy during activities?

• Behavioral patterns: We’ll evaluate your child’s behavior, including any signs of hyperactivity, attention difficulties, or mood swings, which can be linked to poor sleep.

• School performance: If applicable, we’ll discuss your child’s performance in school, as children with sleep-disordered breathing often struggle with focus, memory, and learning.

After the screening is complete, our team will carefully review all the gathered information and discuss the findings with you in detail. We believe in a collaborative approach, so we’ll take the time to explain what the results mean and answer any questions you may have.

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We’ll also discuss potential next steps, which may include further diagnostic tests, referrals to specialists (such as an ENT or orthodontist), or the development of a treatment plan tailored to your child’s specific needs.