The effect of tobacco smoke on paediatric respiratory disorders during sleep

Abstract

Introduction: The most common cause of respiratory disorders in sleeping children is the Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS). Passive smoking is among factors predisposing to obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Apnoea leads to disturbance of the structure of sleep. Complications and sequels of untreated OSAS are, among others: arterial hypertension, growth and body weight deficiency, and behavioural disorders. Purpose: Determination of a correlation between exposure to tobacco smoke (passive smoking) and development of respiratory disorders in children during sleep. Materials and methods. 160 school-aged children (6-18 years) were included in the study. The inclusion criterion was exposure to tobacco smoke at home (90 subjects). The control group were school-aged children who had had no contact with tobacco smoke at home (70 subjects). Exclusion criterion: obese children (BMI over 24) and children with impaired patency of the nose. Each child had a polygraphic examination done at home. Results: In the study group the presence of obstructive sleep apnoea was confirmed in 4% (8/160) of subjects (including 7 having contact with tobacco smoke at home), with the AHI>5 and occurrence of diurnal and nocturnal symptoms. In the group exposed to tobacco smoke the following were noted more often: concentration problems 38.9% (35/90), tiredness/lethargy 46.7% (42/90), and irritability/hyperactivity 36.7% (33/90). On the other hand, no statistically significant differences were found in nocturnal symptoms: waking up, snoring and sleep apnoea. Conclusions: Passive smoking causes respiratory disorders during sleep. Children exposed to tobacco smoke more often demonstrate concentration problems, tiredness and hyperactivity.