If smoking is a habit of yours, it’s worth understanding how it can affect the people around you, especially your children. Over time, secondhand smoke exposure can contribute to a range of health issues, including a higher risk of sleep apnea. Left untreated, this breathing disorder can lead to serious complications. Here’s what you should know about secondhand smoke and sleep apnea in kids.
What Exactly Is Sleep Apnea?
Pediatric sleep apnea happens when a child’s breathing partially or completely stops multiple times throughout the night. The most common form is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when the upper airway narrows or is blocked by the muscles in the throat during the night.
This disruption prevents children from getting the rejuvenating rest they need, as their body repeatedly wakes them up to resume normal breathing. When left untreated, this condition can also contribute to more serious health concerns later on, including cardiovascular problems.
What’s the Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Secondhand Smoke?
Sleep apnea is relatively uncommon in children, affecting only about 4% of kids. Still, despite its rarity, research has found a notable link between secondhand smoke and it. A study published in the International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology found that children aged 3 to 18 exposed to secondhand smoke had a significantly higher risk of developing the condition.
That said, this doesn’t necessarily mean that this habit can lead to a breathing disorder during the night. Other contributing factors are worth considering as well, such as enlarged tonsils, obesity, and a smaller jaw structure.
How Do I Know If My Child Has Sleep Apnea?
If you’re concerned your child may have sleep apnea, it helps to know the common warning signs. Keep an eye out for:
- Loud snoring or breathing through the mouth during sleep
- Frequent bedwetting
- Difficulty focusing at school, which may affect their grades
- Ongoing fatigue throughout the day
How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?
The symptoms above are common indicators of OSA, though a formal sleep study is the only way to confirm a diagnosis. Once it has been, your child can begin treatment to help them get the restful nights they deserve. This might include an oral appliance designed to gently reposition the jaw to keep the airway open at night, or a CPAP machine that delivers a steady flow of air. Either option can help your child enjoy the uninterrupted sleep they deserve.
About the Practice
Want to get peaceful nights from sleep apnea? Our team at Weldon Dental of Rome is dedicated to helping patients with this sleep breathing disorder by offering effective treatments. Led by Dr. Ryan Weldon and Dr. Leigh Weldon, we can help kids and adults alike with a specialized oral appliance that eases this condition. If you are worried about sleep apnea in you or your kids, schedule an appointment or call our office at 706-232-2082.