Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Allergy in Children: Current Research Insights and Future Directions

A special issue of Children (ISSN 2227-9067). This special issue belongs to the section "Pediatric Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 July 2024) | Viewed by 3696

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Gynecology and Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Verona, 37124 Verona, Italy
Interests: sleep-disordered breathing; sleep apnea syndrome; children; infants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a significant health problem worldwide. Among children, the prevalence of habitual snoring is 10% to 12%, while the prevalence of OSA is 1% to 3%. SDB encompasses a range of abnormal conditions with manifestations that range from simple snoring to potentially serious diseases, including OSA.

Sneezing, itching, a runny nose, and nasal congestion characterize allergic rhinitis. Atopy is considered a risk factor for habitual snoring. Furthermore, children with allergies have a higher risk for SDB or OSAS than non-allergic children. However, the severity of allergic rhinitis is significantly associated with the severity of OSAS. Additionally, allergic rhinitis, habitual snoring, and poor asthma control are important risk factors for SDB. Therefore, atopic children should receive additional attention for snoring and other features of OSAS.

The medical literature supports a proactive role for allergists in diagnosing and managing SDB. Although several studies have investigated the coexistence of OSA and inhalant allergy in standard clinical practice, the correlation has not been sufficiently clarified and investigated.

Dr. Marco Zaffanello
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • sleep-disordered breathing
  • obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
  • children
  • inhalant allergy
  • allergic rhinitis
  • asthma

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Editorial

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5 pages, 206 KiB  
Editorial
Unveiling the Hidden Connection between Allergies and Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children and Its Impact on Health
by Marco Zaffanello and Giorgio Piacentini
Children 2023, 10(7), 1143; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10071143 - 30 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1206
Abstract
Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and allergies in children are increasingly relevant health issues that require attention [...] Full article

Research

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8 pages, 239 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Sleep Quality in Asthmatic Children with the Paediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ)
by Mehmet Yaşar Özkars, Seda Çevik, Serap Ata, Alican Sarısaltık and Uğur Altaş
Children 2024, 11(6), 728; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11060728 - 14 Jun 2024
Viewed by 710
Abstract
Considering the high prevalence of sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) in asthmatic patients, we aimed to compare asthmatic children and healthy children in terms of SRBD according to Paediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) scores. A questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics of the patients and the PSQ, [...] Read more.
Considering the high prevalence of sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) in asthmatic patients, we aimed to compare asthmatic children and healthy children in terms of SRBD according to Paediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) scores. A questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics of the patients and the PSQ, which evaluates sleep quality and consists of 22 questions, was administered. During the data collection process, 180 patients in the patient group and 170 patients in the control group were included. The patient group showed statistically significantly higher total scores and subscale scores for snoring, sleepiness, and inattention compared to the control group. Statistically significant correlations were found between the sleepiness subscale and body mass index z score in a negative direction and between age at presentation and duration of asthma in a positive direction. Our findings endorse employing the PSQ as a screening instrument in the outpatient environment to ensure timely referral of asthma patients to a sleep specialist for SRBD evaluation. Considering the widespread occurrence of snoring and asthma, this tool could aid in identifying patients with an elevated risk of SRBD and expedite the scheduling of nocturnal polysomnography for these children. Full article
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Review

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16 pages, 1033 KiB  
Review
Exploring the Complex Interplay of Obesity, Allergic Diseases, and Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children
by Chiara Voltan, Francesca Concer, Luca Pecoraro, Angelo Pietrobelli, Giorgio Piacentini and Marco Zaffanello
Children 2024, 11(5), 595; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11050595 - 15 May 2024
Viewed by 1161
Abstract
This narrative review study investigates the correlations between obesity, allergies, and sleep-disordered breathing in pediatric populations. Searches for pertinent articles were conducted on the Medline PubMed Advanced Search Builder, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from unlimited to April 2024. Sleep-disordered breathing causes [...] Read more.
This narrative review study investigates the correlations between obesity, allergies, and sleep-disordered breathing in pediatric populations. Searches for pertinent articles were conducted on the Medline PubMed Advanced Search Builder, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from unlimited to April 2024. Sleep-disordered breathing causes repeated upper airway obstructions, leading to apneas and restless sleep. Childhood obesity, which affects around 20% of children, is often associated with sleep-disordered breathing and allergies such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. It is distinguished between diet-induced obesity (resulting from excess of diet and physical inactivity) and genetic obesity (such as is seen in Down syndrome and Prader–Willi syndrome). In children with diet-induced obesity, chronic inflammation linked to weight can worsen allergies and increase the risk and severity of asthma and rhinitis. Furthermore, the nasal congestion typical of rhinitis can contribute to upper respiratory tract obstruction and obstructive sleep apnea. A vicious circle is created between asthma and sleep-disordered breathing: uncontrolled asthma and sleep-disordered breathing can worsen each other. In children with genetic obesity, despite alterations in the immune system, fewer allergies are observed compared to the broader population. The causes of this reduced allergenicity are unclear but probably involve genetic, immunological, and environmental factors. Additional research is necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. The present narrative review study emphasizes the importance of jointly evaluating and managing allergies, obesity, and obstructive sleep apnea in children considering their close interconnection. Full article
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