In obstructive sleep apnea, muscles of the soft palate relax during sleep, leading to narrowing of the pharynx and uvular collapse, closing and obstructing the throat or airway for breathing. OSA is characterized by brief or longer periods of apnea or cessation of breathing. Children whose tonsils and adenoids are enlarged are prone to developing OSA.
Presently, there is no agreement as to why OSA occurs. It is thought to be...
