Definition: OSA is an acronym for obstructive sleep apnea, which is a common problem in children, and is increasing being recognized as a cause of daytime attentional and behavioral problems.
Unlike adults with sleep apnea, who are often overweight and frequently wake up at night, children with OSA are more difficult to recognize and diagnose.
Although snoring is a common symptom in children with obstructive sleep apnea, it is important to remember that between 10-20 percent of normal children snore (primary snoring) on a regular or intermittent basis.
See our guide to the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea in children or take this Sleep Apnea Screening Quiz if you think that your kids may have OSA or obstructive sleep apnea.
Pronunciation: O.S.A.
Also Known As: Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Alternate Spellings: Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Common Misspellings: Obstructive Sleep Apnia
Examples: My child's snoring and daytime sleepiness was a sign of OSA and was the main reason that we had his enlarged tonsils and adenoids removed.
