Secondhand Smoke and Children’s Sleep Apnea

You already know about all of the negative effects that smoking can have on your body. However, did you know that smoking can also have an impact on the people around you? Secondhand smoke can have a variety of dangerous side effects – especially for young children. In fact, secondhand smoke can increase children’s risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea. This disorder keeps them from getting the quality sleep they need to thrive. Read on to learn more about obstructive sleep apnea and how secondhand smoke plays a role.

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

If your child has obstructive sleep apnea, this means that they stop breathing multiple times throughout the night because their airway becomes blocked. This causes a drop in oxygen levels, leading to harmful effects. When their breathing is interrupted, they wake up so they can get the breath of air they need. When this happens over and over again throughout the night, they aren’t getting the quality sleep they require during the day.

How Does Secondhand Smoke Affect Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea isn’t a common occurrence in children. It is estimated to affect anywhere from 1-4% of children. According to a study published by the International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, the odds for children between the ages of 3 and 18 developing sleep apnea becomes much higher if they are exposed to secondhand smoke. It is unknown exactly why this is the case, but the correlation is there.

How Can I Tell If My Child Has Sleep Apnea?

The only way to know for sure if your child has sleep apnea is for them to undergo a sleep study. For this test, a special device is used to monitor their vital signs while they sleep. This way, their condition can be narrowed down, and a diagnosis can be made. However, even if your child hasn’t been diagnosed with OSA, there are still some signs to be on the lookout for. You may want to consider taking your child to see a sleep dentist if they have the following symptoms:

• Snoring, often with pauses, snorts, or gasps between breaths
• Heavy breathing during sleep
• Restless sleep
• Bedwetting (especially for children who were previously dry at night)
• Daytime sleepiness
• Behavioral problems

If you think that your child might have sleep apnea, consider having them checked out. By eliminating secondhand smoke from their environment at home among other solutions, you can help your child get the quality sleep they need.

About the Author

Dr. Deborah A. Romack is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for more than two decades. She earned her dental doctorate from Baylor College of Dentistry with honors. She has attended numerous continuing education hours on airway obstruction, snoring, obstructive sleep apnea, and upper airway resistance syndrome. To learn more about sleep apnea or to schedule an appointment, visit her website or call (817) 594-3806.