Persistent Snoring Can Be Harmful To Children's Health, According To Study

Most parents are not alarmed whenever they observe their sleeping kids snore. But according to a new study, persistent snoring can cause harm to children's health and wellbeing.

Medical News Today reports that a study conducted by researchers at the Gothenburg University in Sweden found out that persistent snoring accompanied by sleep apnea can cause a set of problems for children's physical health, growth and cognitive abilities. The study was published on in The Journal of Laryngology & Otology. 

The negative effects of persistent snoring and sleep apnea include fatigue, daytime sleepiness, lack of focus and concentration while studying, learning problems, delayed growth and bedwetting. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, sleep apnea is a disorder that causes a sleeping person to experience one or more breathing pauses that can last from a few seconds to a few minutes and can occur 30 times or more every hour. A snort or a choking sound might be heard once normal breathing resumes.

"Children with persistent snoring often have a reduced quality of life. In particular, this applies to children who have sleep apnea." Author, surgeon and researcher Dr. Gunnhildur Gudnadottir at the Sahlgrenska Academy at Gothenburg University told Medical News Today.

Persistent snoring and sleep apnea are not only harmful to children but to adults as well. "In adults, untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, obesity and diabetes," Medical News Today shared.

The researchers added that the most common reason for persistent snoring in kids is inflammation of tonsils or adenoids. This condition can be treated with surgery.

The research team also hope to raise awareness about the negative effects of persistent snoring and sleep apnea on children's health, development and functioning in their daily lives. They also recommend that children who experience persistent snoring be taken to a doctor for further tests and evaluations.