Some of the most common medical concerns that come along with achondroplasia include sleep apnea, recurrent ear infections, kyphosis, and hydrocephalus.
- There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive and central. Obstructive apnea occurs when there is something (adenoids/tonsils) blocking the airway. Central apnea is when the brain tells the body not to breathe; this is typically because of spinal cord compression (when the spine pinches the spinal cord at the base of the skull due to the narrow junction of the two).
- Ear infections are common because the middle ear passageways are more narrow (also as a result of the narrow shape of the base of the skull).
- Kyphosis is the outward curvature of the spine. When the curve becomes "fixed," it can lead to bowel issues and even leg paralysis later in life.
- Hydrocephalus is a buildup of fluid on the brain and can cause increased head size and neurological issues.
So far, Otto has had his adenoids removed to help open his breathing airways and tubes placed in his ears to help fluid drain properly and improve his hearing. He has routine MRIs done to monitor for spinal compression and hydrocephalus, and he sees an orthopedist to check his kyphosis. We feel very fortunate to have great specialists, all just a short drive away!
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