Video

The Number of Women Having Strokes is Rising

Preventative Mastectomy

Cases of Gestational Diabetes Are On the Rise

Nintendo Wii Could Be Therapy for Stroke Victims

Single Men Have An Increased Risk for Stroke

Fatty Foods Could Lead to Stroke in Older Women

Woman Gives Birth After Ovary Transplant

Cancer Foundation Raises Money for Neuroblastoma

Too Much Weight Gain During Pregnancy Could Lead to Diabetes

New CT Scanners Use 90% Less Radiation

Music Education Can Shape a Child's Sensory System

Food Warning Labels Could Help Prevent Choking Hazards

Acupuncture May Relieve Depression in Pregnant Women

The Economy Could Lower Life Expectancy

HPV Can Be Studied On Dolphins

Sleep Benefits From Tonsillectomy Peak at 6 Months

Posted on 07/21/2009, 12:00
By -- Jennifer Thomas

For kids with breathing issues, having tonsils removed helps most right after surgery

TUESDAY, July 21 (HealthDay News) -- Children who had their tonsils and adenoids removed slept better after having the procedure, but the benefit began to decline six months post-surgery, a new study has found.

Researchers from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Kansas City analyzed data on 44 children who had sleep-disordered breathing prior to undergoing surgery to remove their tonsils and adenoids, which are glands in the back of the throat.

Before surgery, at six-months post-surgery, and between 2.4 years and 3.6 years after the surgery parents filled out questionnaires to assess their children's sleep habits, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, cognitive issues, hyperactivity and oppositional behavior.

As time passed, scores on an index of breathing disorders began to worsen at a rate of 7 percent per year, the researchers found.

Still, after about 2.5 years, the children were doing better overall on nearly all measures, including sleep-disordered breathing, hyperactivity and oppositional behavior.

Only ADHD index scores had returned to where they were prior to surgery, the study authors noted.

"Our longitudinal study demonstrates that improvements in sleep and behavior may not be exactly maintained over time, but at 2.5 years after the surgical intervention, all parameters reported in this study except the ADHD index remained below baseline values," the authors wrote.

The study appears in the July issue of Archives of Otolaryngology -- Head & Neck Surgery.

The primary symptom in children with sleep-disordered breathing is loud, persistent snoring, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery. Children with sleep-disordered breathing suffer from sleep deprivation, which can lead to moodiness, sleepiness, difficulty concentrating and inattentiveness at school. Sleep-disordered breathing can also interfere with a child's growth.

More information

The American Academy of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery has more on sleep-disordered breathing in children.

SOURCE: JAMA/Archives, news release, July 20, 2009

More news in Sleep Disorders...

BigHealthTree.com Disclaimer

Bighealthtree.com Does Not Provide Medical Advice. This site, including the above information, is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or health advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified health or medical professional before starting any new treatment, changing existing treatment, or altering your current exercise and/or diet program. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911 (or the emergency services in your area) or your doctor immediately.

Rating: 3.1 / 5 (212 votes)