What Causes Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome?

Posted on Thu, 16 Apr 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 16 Apr 2015 Answered on

Wed, 6 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, my 10 year old child has started making loud slurping/swallowing noises in her sleep for the past few months. Recently she has been complaining of persistent tummy pain with no other symptoms. She had reflux as a child. Could it be back?

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Could be an upper airway resistance syndrome/ GERD

Detailed Answer:
Hi...By what you quote I feel that it could be an upper airway resistance syndrome. These which you quote could be a type of snoring. It could also be a gastro esophageal reflux.

I have a few questions for you -

1. Is she obese?
2. What is her current height/ weight and exact date of birth?
3. Is he having vomiting or water brash symptoms?
4. Is it aggravated by spicy food or heavy fatty meal?
5. Does she have the habit of drinking carbonated soft drinks too often?
6. Is there any history of asthma or allergy or allergic rhinitis in the family of the kid?

get back to me with answers to above questions and I will be glad to guide you further.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta

Follow up: Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (1 hour later)

Hi,

1. She is not obese
2. 10/8/04 4 feet 10 inches
3. Vomited twice in last minth. Small burps frequently
4. No healthy diet.
5. Occasionally has a diet coke!
6. She gets mild intermittent asmtha when she gets a bad cold. One parent has a history of rhinitis.

Thank you for you quick response.

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Could be a GERD

Detailed Answer:
Hi... I feel that it could be a return of GERD which she had previously.

Your daughter will need -
1. Antireflux therapy - Proton pump inhibitors + antiemetics
2. Always make her lie down in a propped up position - as in the care seat. She should not be sleeping completely flatly.
3. Avoid heavy feeding and feeding more times and in small aliquots.

Regards - Dr. Sumanth

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta