{"id":336,"date":"2021-11-20T05:26:00","date_gmt":"2021-11-20T05:26:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dolfielddental.com\/blog\/?p=336"},"modified":"2021-12-20T05:27:34","modified_gmt":"2021-12-20T05:27:34","slug":"secondhand-smoke-sleep-apnea-children","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dolfielddental.com\/blog\/2021\/11\/20\/secondhand-smoke-sleep-apnea-children\/","title":{"rendered":"Secondhand Smoke Linked to Childhood Sleep Apnea"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"YoungSleep apnea is often perceived as a condition that affects older people, especially males. Although age and gender can play a role, anyone can develop sleep apnea\u2014even children! Although enlarged tonsils and adenoids are often the culprits behind childhood sleep apnea, research shows there\u2019s another risk factor. According to a study published in the International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology<\/em>, exposure to secondhand smoke increases the likeliness of developing a severe form of sleep apnea.<\/p>\n

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What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that causes frequent pauses in breathing from a narrowed airway. These interruptions can occur hundreds of times per night, with each event potentially lasting for a minute or more. If it sounds scary, it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although the most common sign of the disorder is chronic snoring, the repeated lack of oxygen will strain their body. Not to mention, their sleep quality will be affected, which can influence their mood, behavior, development, and even learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Connection Between Secondhand Smoke and Sleep Apnea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We all know smoking is bad for your health, but research shows secondhand smoke can be just as harmful. Involuntary smoke inhaled from tobacco can lead to several health issues, like cardiovascular problems. Although the effects may not be apparent for many years, recent research has found a greater threat that\u2019s often overlooked in children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

18 million adults in the U.S. have sleep apnea, but children aren\u2019t immune to it. Only 4% of children have the breathing disorder. The recently published study found children 3 to 18 years of age exposed to secondhand smoke regularly were more likely to have sleep apnea. They also found the children had an increased likeliness for a severe form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although the exact link between the two isn\u2019t known, it\u2019s important to understand your child\u2019s risk factors. Besides secondhand smoke, sleep apnea is connected to various conditions, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n