Very true with what you say. Based in the UK, the majority of doctors are unaware of the damage sleep apnoea can cause, but research into sleep and sleep disorders is only just started to be notice in the last few years with more TV programs and newspaper articles educating the population on the importance of sleep.
But when it comes to paediatric sleep apnoea, this is where it is way behind the States. It is that bad, you get doctors who laugh at you when you try to explain that obstructive sleep apnoea can lead to ADHD like behaviour, or you get ENT consultants who tell you that as a parent, I know more about paediatric sleep apnoea than them - which doesn't fill you with confidence.
But there are doctors who are willing to listen and ask questions. But one thing I have learnt, is always be prepared with your research from a reliable source, and if you have any corresponding letters or emails from an expert in their field supporting your research, then the good doctors will listen whilst the bad ones will make some excuse to fob you off.
So have supporting evidence when you raise your concerns to the doctor, and find a doctor who listens to you. Don't give up until you are satisfied with the outcome.
At the end of the day we can only move forward if we work together. The more we get involved the better for the community. The internet is a very powerful tool, so use it to educate yourself and educate others. Because doctors are only human, they only know so much!
