Episodic complete airway obstruction in children with undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract

Unrecognized and unanticipated episodes of acute upper airway obstruction associated with obstructive sleep apnea can result in death. The diagnosis should be considered in children with acute airway obstruction and in patients scheduled for tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. We describe two patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and acute upper airway obstruction.