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Warning-sign checks

Pediatric sleep apnea: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services if your child:

    • Has blue, gray, or unusually pale lips or skin
    • Is struggling to breathe or pulling in deeply around the ribs
    • Does not restart breathing promptly
    • Is difficult to wake, collapses, or is not responding normally

    If breathing has stopped and the child is unresponsive, call emergency services and begin CPR if you know how.

    Follow the emergency operator's instructions.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical advice if breathing pauses are becoming more frequent, symptoms worsen quickly, or a child with known sleep apnea can no longer tolerate prescribed breathing support.

    Infants and children with significant heart, lung, brain, or neuromuscular conditions may need earlier assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical appointment if your child regularly snores, breathes through their mouth at night, sleeps restlessly, or has unexplained daytime attention, behavior, or sleepiness concerns.

    Mention any gasping or witnessed pauses, even if the child seems well during the day.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Pediatric sleep apnea. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.