Medical vs Surgical Treatment in OSA Among Children

Adeno-tonsillar hypertrophy causing OSA are treated surgically however, over the last years it has been shown that montelukast or nasal steroidal spray can significantly improve symptoms, adenoid size, and polysomnographic results in pediatric non-severe OSA, excluding the need for surgery. A literature review from 2016 suggested that by using anti-leukotrienes as anti-inflammatory appears to be beneficial in children with a non-severe OSA and can be offered to parents as a treatment option before, or instead of surgery. In addition, nasal steroidal spray may be considered useful in decreasing adenoid pad size and the severity of symptoms related to adenoidal hypertrophy [9]. Despite emerging evidence that both montelukast and nasal steroids are effective in the treatment of pediatric SDB, further evidence is still required. . adeno-tonsillar hypertrophy causing OSA are treated surgically however, over the last years it has been shown that montelukast or nasal steroidal spray can significantly improve symptoms, adenoid size, and polysomnographic results in pediatric non-severe OSA, excluding the need for surgery. A literature review from 2016 suggested that by using anti-leukotrienes as anti-inflammatory appears to be beneficial in children with a non-severe OSA and can be offered to parents as a treatment option before, or instead of surgery. In addition, nasal steroidal spray may be considered useful in decreasing adenoid pad size and the severity of symptoms related to adenoidal hypertrophy. Despite emerging evidence that both montelukast and nasal steroids are effective in the treatment of pediatric SDB, further evidence is still required.

Inclusion Criteria:children between 2-16 years of age referred to the pediatric otolaryngology outpatient clinic due to OSA and have not undergone previous adeno-tonsillar procedureExclusion Criteria:children with severe OSA who need an urgent surgery and cannot be postponed, children with nasal polyposis, craniofacial malformations (e.g. cleft lip and palate), and genetic diseases (e.g. Down syndrome).