Are you a smoker? Do you have children in the home? Although you may feel great and do not have any current medical problems such as obstructive sleep apnea, secondhand smoke could increase your child’s risk of developing this condition. Here’s how to tell if your family could already be affected, and what you can do to help.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder that occurs when you repeatedly pause breathing throughout the night. These pauses are caused when tissues in your throat block the airway. While OSA is most commonly found in older and overweight adults, it can affect people of any age, weight, or gender, including children.
Secondhand Smoke and OSA in Children
A recent study published in the International Journal of Pediatric Otolaryngology found that there was a significant link between secondhand smoke and obstructive sleep apnea in children ages three to eighteen. This may be due to inflammation caused by breathing the smoke, as well as other natural factors.
Does My Child Have OSA?
To determine if your child truly is suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, you’ll need to visit a qualified medical professional for a sleep test. If they are exhibiting any of the following warning signs, it is recommended that you seek assistance as soon as possible:
- Frequently tired, even despite having an adequate sleep routine
- Difficulties concentrating or struggling in school
- Snore loudly or mouth-breathe during sleep
- Wet the bed
- Experience night terrors
- Move around frequently during sleep
How to Treat Your Child’s OSA
The first step in treating a sleep disorder in your child is to speak to a qualified sleep doctor about their symptoms. They may order a sleep test to provide an official diagnosis. From there, you can discuss treatment options, which may include oral appliance therapy, which comfortably positions the airway open so your child can breathe properly during sleep.
Furthermore, if you smoke, it’s important that you quit. Not only is this habit dangerous to you, but it can be extremely harmful to your child and those around you.
Remember, smoking affects more than just the smoker; it can have serious, lifelong complications for those around them, including children, pets, and other adults. Don’t let sleep apnea from secondhand smoke harm your child’s wellbeing. Speak to a qualified sleep doctor and get your child the rest they need while you quit your cigarette habit.
About Our Practice
At Star Sleep & Wellness – Denton, we understand that even children can suffer from the debilitating effects of obstructive sleep apnea. If your child is displaying noticeable signs of this condition, it’s important to treat it so they can thrive during their daily life. To schedule a consultation for you or your family, please visit our website or call us at 469-772-6721.