Preterm apneas are interruptions of respiratory activity, for a period of greater than 15-20 seconds, with absence of flow accompanied by bradycardia and cyanosis in premature infants: the lower the gestational age, the higher the incidence of apneas.
There are different types of apneas:
- central: occur in the absence of respiratory flow and inspiratory efforts due to the absence of nerve impulses to the muscles responsible for breathing
- obstructive: caused by an occlusion of the airways due to the collapse of the soft walls of the pharyn
- mixed: they present in combination the absence of nerve impulses and the obstruction of the respiratory tract.
In children, the most obvious symptoms are: snoring, oral breathing, nocturnal enuresis, daytime hyperactivity, aggressive behavior, poor growth, poor school performance, headache and sleepiness.