Çocuklarda Uykuda Solunum Bozuklukları: Ortodontik Tarama ve Multidisipliner Yaklaşım
Synopsis
Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in children encompasses a broad clinical spectrum ranging from primary snoring to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and may affect growth, behavior, learning, and cardiovascular health. Orthodontists may contribute to the identification of children at risk for SDB because they routinely evaluate children and adolescents during growth and are able to examine craniofacial structures and the oropharyngeal region. Nevertheless, although findings from orthodontic examination and craniofacial imaging may support the assessment of OSA, they are not diagnostic when used alone. This chapter addresses nocturnal and daytime symptoms that may be assessed during orthodontic history taking, the clinical applications and limitations of screening tools such as the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) and OSA-18, basic extraoral and intraoral examination findings, and appropriate referral approaches. In addition, the interpretation of polysomnographic (PSG) and otorhinolaryngologic findings obtained after consultation is discussed from the perspective of orthodontic treatment planning. This chapter highlights the orthodontist’s role in recognizing children at risk for SDB, systematically evaluating relevant clinical risk indicators, and facilitating referral for multidisciplinary assessment when appropriate.
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