If you tend to smoke, then it’s important you know how this habit can affect those around you. This is particularly true for your children, as it can potentially lead to health issues over time. Secondhand smoke can increase their risk of certain conditions, such as sleep apnea. This breathing disorder can have serious complications when left untreated, so here’s what you need to know about this connection in kids.
First Off, What Is Sleep Apnea?
In short, pediatric sleep apnea is when a child stops breathing partly or completely multiple times a night. The most common type of this condition is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which means their upper airway narrows or becomes blocked while they sleep.
This prevents them from getting the rest they need as their body wakes them up to resume normal respirations. Not only that, but they may develop serious health problems later in life because of this condition, such as cardiovascular issues.
How Is Sleep Apnea and Secondhand Smoke Related?
Sleep apnea is actually pretty rare in kids, affecting only about 4% of them. However, while the odds of developing it are low, a study found a shocking connection. Research by the International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology found that the risk of this condition was much higher between ages 3 and 18 if they were exposed to secondhand smoke.
That being said, this doesn’t prove that there is a definitive causative relationship between these two things. Other risk factors should be considered, such as enlarged tonsils, obesity, and a small jaw, to name a few.
Does My Child Have Sleep Apnea? How Can It Be Treated?
If you are worried about sleep apnea in your child, then you should take a second to learn some symptoms of it. Here are notable ones to remember:
- Loud snoring or mouth breathing while they sleep.
- They frequently wet the bed.
- Trouble paying attention in school (maybe causing them to perform poorly as well).
- They feel tired all the time.
These are common signs of OSA, but the only way to know if they have it is through a sleep study. If they get a diagnosis, then they can get the treatment they deserve to help them get restful sleep. Your loved one might be able to get an oral appliance that slightly shifts their jaw position, keeping it open during the night, or a CPAP machine that delivers continuous air through their mouth. That way, they can enjoy the undisturbed nights they need.
About the Practice
At GoTo Sleep Center, we are happy to help the local communities with their sleep apnea. With our team of skilled dentists, we are able to help confirm a diagnosis in you, your child, or anyone else, then offer the treatment you deserve. By finding the right option for you, you can then find relief through an effective solution. If you suspect your loved one has OSA, schedule an appointment or call any of our three offices in Glendale, Scottsdale, or Tempe.
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