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The Association Between ENT Diseases and Obesity in Pediatric Population: A Systemic Review of Current Knowledge
Joanna Krajewska Wojciechowska1, Wojciech Krajewski2, Tomasz Zatoński1
11 Department and Clinic of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University in Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland.
Insights
Childhood obesity increases the risk of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) disorders, including otitis media and obstructive sleep apnea. Obese children face more frequent and severe ENT issues compared to their lean peers.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Public Health
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a growing global health concern with significant implications.
- Obesity is linked to numerous health issues, including metabolic, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal disorders.
- The association between pediatric obesity and otorhinolaryngological (ENT) conditions requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize current knowledge on the relationship between childhood obesity and common ENT disorders.
- To highlight how obesity may predispose children to specific ENT conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research.
- Analysis of the impact of obesity on the immune system and upper airway mechanics.
- Identification of specific ENT conditions associated with childhood obesity.
Main Results:
- Obese children exhibit increased susceptibility to various ENT illnesses.
- Obesity is associated with otitis media (with effusion, acute, recurrent), adenotonsillar hypertrophy, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
- Childhood obesity correlates with sensorineural hearing loss and increased post-adenotonsillectomy complications.
Conclusions:
- Obesity significantly predisposes children to a range of otorhinolaryngological disorders.
- Immune system dysregulation and mechanical upper airway changes in obese children contribute to these conditions.
- Obesity is a key factor in the "OSA, obesity, asthma" triad, underscoring its systemic impact.
Abstract:
Obesity in pediatric population is an important global problem. The prevalence of obesity in children is dramatically rising. According to World Health Organization, about 41 million children under the age of 5 years are obese or overweight worldwide. Overweight and obesity are well-known risk factors for a number of health disorders. Diseases commonly observed in this group of patients are metabolic disorders, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, fatty liver disease, musculoskeletal problems, and many others. The main aim of this study was to present the current knowledge of the association between childhood obesity and common otorhinolaryngological disorders. It is suggested that obese children are more prone to suffer from otorhinolaryngological illnesses than the lean ones. Obesity may predispose to otorhinolaryngological diseases in various ways. It strongly interferes with the immune system (increases serum levels of interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor, C-reactive protein, and leptin and reduces adiponectin concentration) affecting organs of the upper respiratory tract. Additionally, obesity induces mechanical disorders in the upper airways. According to our review, obesity predisposes to otitis media with effusion, acute otitis media, recurrent otitis media, obstructive sleep apnea, sensorineural hearing loss, adenotonsillar hypertrophy, and post-/perioperative complications after adenotonsillectomy. Obesity in children significantly correlates with both obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and asthma and constitutes a significant component of "OSA, obesity, asthma" triad.
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