CHILDHOOD SNORING AND LONG-TERM PROBLEMS:

NOTHING TO SNEEZE AT

 

 

For years snoring has been something a joke, not a worry. Over the past decade though, research revealed it to be a serious condition that can have long-term effects. One such recent research project looked at middle school academic performance in children who were previous snorers.

The study was performed at Kosair Children's Hospital Research Institute in Louisville Kentucky. 1588 children surveys were analyzed. Children were placed into high-performance (top 25% of school) and low-performance (lower 25% of school) groups based on academic performance. Both groups had similar snoring patterns in middle school.

 

 

Low Performance Group = 797

High Performance Group = 791

One parent smokes 31%

Loud/frequent early childhood snoring 13%

Kids needing surgical correction 3%

Allergies 5.5%

ADHD 5%

Average GPA = 2.75

One parent smokes 24%

Loud/frequent early childhood snoring 5%

Kids needing surgical correction 0.9%

Allergies 4.8%

ADHD 3.5%

Average GPA = 3.78

 

 

To read more on this article go to www.pediatrics.org (Pediatrics, vol. 107, No. 6. June 2001, pg 1394)

 

 

Dr. Jane's Comment:

 

 

If you are a parent of a child who snores, this information should get your attention. Frequent and loud snoring is known to cause prolonged periods of abnormal breathing including lowered blood oxygen levels and higher carbon dioxide levels during the night. You may not know much about the body, but let me assure you low oxygen levels are not good to the developing brain. Over time, these changes can lead to high blood pressure, heart, lung, and brain changes too.

So what should you do if you have a child who snores? First, make an appointment to discuss it with your child's physician. Next, while waiting for your appointment, make a record of how often your child snores, how loudly, and if s/he has any pauses in breathing while sleeping. Snoring at any age should be addressed. If your child's physician does not know much about the effects of snoring print out this article. Go to www.pediatrics.org and do a search on snoring. Print out more articles to take to your physician. Yes, sometimes in today's busy medical world you need to educate your doctor. It does not make your doctor stupid or lazy, just informed. Any doctor worth his/her merit will welcome the help.

Depending on the degree of your child's snoring symptoms, your physician may prescribe allergy medications (liquids/pills/or nose sprays), or refer you to an ENT if symptoms warrant. There is a lot that can be done with medicines and allergy treatments before a child needs a tonsilectomy/adenoidectomy for snoring. Regardless, do not accept an "oh, s/he will grow out of it." This study documents the effects of unchecked years of snoring -- poorer school performance and increased ADHD. The snoring may go away as their heads grow, but the effects from abnormal breathing does not necessarily go away.

 

Isn't it interesting how some things can go from humorous to dangerous over time? Take this cartoon for instance.

Just a decade ago, snoring was considered a joke. We all imitated or berated the snorers in our families. I remember my father would snore loudly for hours and in the morning, I would tease him. Or how about the old cartoons that had roofs blowing off while characters snored?

In our ignorance, we laugh at events, but with time and wisdom, we see them clearly and our laughter turns to thoughtful actions. Are there other areas in our lives that we can move from ignorance to thoughtfulness? Interestingly, God tells us to do just that in all areas of our lives.

Romans 12:1

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. "

 

Don't know what the "good and acceptable and perfect will of God" is? Then refer to Romans 8:26-27.

"Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God."

 

The problem is though that we can not move from ignorance to wisdom if our eyes are firmly focused on this world. Move your eyes and your attention to God. Look at Him by reading your Bible, praying to Him in a quiet place everyday, and writing down His past/present blessings to you. By doing this you will see your life in His enormous hand, instead of God in life's hand. It is the difference between reality and fantasy, peace and worry.

 

Until next week

May our Lord's love be with you all,

 

Dr. Jane