Sleep apnea in teens worsens with age

Written by: David Castillo on January 12th, 2010

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Sleep apnea in teens worsens with age | read this item

Research indicates that sleep apnea among obese adolescents worsens as the teens age.

The research examined data from 234 children between the ages of 2 and 18. All of the patients were obese and were already suspected of having sleep-related problems. These children were then separated according to age groups and they were assessed during overnight trials.

Doctors found that older children had more severe symptoms of sleep apnea. One possible explanation is older children having bigger tonsils, making them more prone to the condition.

Sleep apnea occurs when soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses and blocks the airway when a person is asleep. This makes it harder for a person to breath.

Researchers claim that bigger tonsils may cause interactions with extra mass, causing severe breathing problems.

Regardless of the child’s age, he/she should be brought to a qualified physician whenever he/she displays sleep apnea symptoms.

Source: Weight Loss Surgery Channel

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