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Tobacco smoke exposure as a risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea in children
Anna Włodarska1, Anna Doboszyńska2
1Medicover Centre Sea Towers, Gdynia, Poland.
Insights
Children exposed to passive smoking show higher rates of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). This exposure is linked to increased concentration problems, tiredness, and irritability in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Sleep Medicine
- Environmental Health
- Respiratory Disorders
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common respiratory disturbance in children.
- Passive smoking is a known risk factor for OSAS development.
- Understanding the link between environmental tobacco smoke and pediatric sleep disorders is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between passive smoking exposure and respiratory disorders during sleep in children.
- To quantify the prevalence of OSAS in children exposed to tobacco smoke compared to a control group.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 160 school-aged children (6-18 years) divided into exposed (n=90) and control (n=70) groups.
- Polygraphic examinations were conducted at home, alongside questionnaires assessing tobacco smoke exposure.
- Exclusion criteria included obesity and nasal obstruction to ensure study focus.
Main Results:
- Children exposed to tobacco smoke had significantly more apnea-hypopnea events (17 vs. 3; P < 0.001).
- OSAS was observed in 12% of exposed children.
- Exposed children reported higher instances of concentration problems (38.9%), tiredness (46.7%), and irritability (36.7%).
Conclusions:
- Children exposed to passive smoking exhibit a higher incidence of OSAS.
- Passive smoking exposure is associated with increased concentration difficulties, fatigue, and irritability in children.
- These findings highlight the negative impact of environmental tobacco smoke on pediatric respiratory and behavioral health during sleep.
Background:
The most common respiratory disturbance in sleeping children is obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Passive smoking is one of factors predisposing to OSAS. The aim of this study was to determine the correlations between exposure to tobacco smoke (passive smoking) and development of respiratory disorders in children during sleep.
Methods:
One hundred and sixty school-aged children (6-18 years) were included in the study. The inclusion criterion was exposure to tobacco smoke at home (n = 90). The control group were school-aged children who had had no contact with tobacco smoke at home (n = 70). Exclusion criteria were obesity and children with impaired patency of the nose. Each child had a polygraphic examination performed at home. The children and their parents completed a questionnaire to assess the level of child's exposure to tobacco smoke. The study ran from December 15, 2012 to February 26, 2016.
Results:
OSAS was observed in 12% of children with an apnea-hypopnea index >1.5 (<13 years of age) and an apnea-hypopnea index >5 (for children >13 years), and with diurnal and nocturnal symptoms. Children exposed to tobacco smoke presented more apnea-hypopnea events (n = 17) than the control group (n = 3; P < 0.001). In the group exposed to tobacco smoke the following issues were noted: concentration problems (38.9%), tiredness/lethargy (46.7%), and irritability/hyperactivity (36.7%). No statistically significant differences were found in waking up, snoring, or sleep apnea.
Conclusions:
OSAS occurs more often in children exposed to tobacco smoke and these children demonstrate concentration problems, tiredness, and irritability/hyperactivity to a greater extent than control group.
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