Because you’re a smoker, you’re more vulnerable to developing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Luckily, you currently aren’t dealing with any sleeping problems or the other issues associated with the condition. However, there have been numerous studies connecting secondhand smoke (SHS) with increased incidences of OSA, so it’s important to take precautions to protect your child. Read on to learn how your tobacco usage could be affecting your little one’s health and what warning signs to be on the lookout for.
What’s the Big Deal with SHS?
It’s a common misconception that smoking only affects the smoker. Surprisingly, it can have just as significant or an even greater impact on the surrounding people. In fact, researchers have found a connection between SHS and cardiovascular disease, stroke, increased occurrences of ear infections, respiratory problems and more.
The Link Between OSA and SHS
While sleep apnea is generally rare among children (a prevalence rate of 4%), a study published by the International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology found that the odds of children between the ages of 3 and 18 developing the disorder became much higher if they were exposed to SHS. To make matters worse, the study concluded that, when exposed to SHS, children were more likely to develop a more severe form of sleep apnea.
Researchers have yet to establish any concrete evidence of a direct relationship between SHS and OSA, as there can be other contributing factors, such as obesity, enlarged tonsils, a small jaw, craniofacial syndromes, muscle weakness or Down syndrome. Still, the correlations that have been discovered are worth noting.
Warning Signs That Your Child Has Sleep Apnea
Here are some of the symptoms you want to be on the lookout for in your child:
- Bed wetting
- Behavioral issues
- Daytime sleepiness
- Complaints of morning headaches
- Loud snoring or pausing in breathing while sleeping
Be careful not to make a rushed judgment if you notice any of the above symptoms. Instead, start with having your child undergo a sleep study. It involves the usage of a special device that will monitor his or her vital signs while sleeping at night to help pinpoint the nature of the condition.
In the event there is a positive diagnosis, a local sleep dentist can work with you to develop a treatment plan. Additionally, you can help your child tremendously by abstaining from smoking in his or her presence.
If you’re struggling with a smoking habit, you can glean some extra motivation to stop by knowing that it can have an immediate impact on your child’s health.
About the Author
Dr. Dean Hutto earned his dental degree from the University of Texas Dental School in Houston. Committed to providing the absolute best in care to his patients, he has received additional training from Dr. Frank Spear at the Seattle Institute and Dr. Pete Dawson at the Dawson Institute for Learning. Dr. Hutto understands how important it is to get a good night’s sleep – especially for children. He treats sleep apnea at Sleep Better Baytown, and he can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through his website.