Obesity linked to sleep apnea in children

Obesity linked to sleep apnea in children

Childhood Obesity Linked to Sleep Disorder, Study Finds

Childhood obesity has become a concerning issue, leading to various health problems. One significant consequence is the development of a sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A recent study aimed to explore the role of obesity in children’s OSA and shed light on the related effects on cognitive function, academic performance, behavior, daytime sleepiness, and long-term heart health.

Dr. Romaine Johnson, a pediatric otolaryngologist at UT Southwestern Children’s Health in Dallas, highlights the growing prevalence of pediatric patients with OSA due to increasing rates of childhood obesity. According to her, addressing childhood obesity can positively impact sleep quality, reduce the adverse effects of OSA, and enhance overall well-being.

Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by upper airway obstruction that disrupts breathing and sleep. To diagnose OSA, an overnight study called polysomnography is conducted. This study records brain waves, blood oxygen levels, heart rate, and breathing patterns.

Traditionally, surgical removal of the adenoids and tonsils is the standard treatment for children with OSA. However, some children continue to experience OSA symptoms even after surgery. This study aimed to explore the relationship between economic status and pediatric OSA by analyzing the medical records of 249 children aged 18 years or younger who had undergone polysomnography and adenotonsillectomy.

The study found no significant association between social determinants of health, such as education, poverty, employment, and the severity of OSA or post-surgery symptoms. However, the researchers did observe a clear link between severe OSA and obesity, with adolescents being the most affected group. This finding emphasizes the need to further investigate the influence of social and economic status on OSA.

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Dr. Johnson emphasizes the importance of understanding how socioeconomic status intersects with pediatric OSA, as disadvantaged children may be at higher risk and require targeted interventions. Efforts to address both obesity and social disadvantages are crucial in improving sleep quality and minimizing the consequences of OSA.

These findings were recently published in Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology, contributing to the growing awareness of the impact of childhood obesity on sleep disorders and overall health.

For more information on obstructive sleep apnea, you can visit the Sleep Foundation’s website.

Sources: – UT Southwestern Medical Center news release – Sleep Foundation: Obstructive Sleep Apnea