Say goodbye to snoring.
A new clinical trial has found that removing the tonsils and adenoids can significantly improve sleep in children with mild breathing issues that disturb their rest. The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, observed a reduction in doctor visits and medication use among children who underwent adenotonsillectomy, a procedure to remove the tonsils and adenoids. After surgery, there was a 32% drop in doctor consultations and a 48% reduction in the need for medications to manage sleep-related problems.
The trial included 459 children aged 3 to 12 with mild sleep-disordered breathing, a condition where snoring or sleep apnea causes children to wake up frequently during the night. The study participants were treated at seven sleep centers across the U.S. Half of the children had their tonsils and adenoids removed, while the other half received non-surgical care such as sleep education and treatment for allergies or asthma.
A year after the surgery, the children who had undergone adenotonsillectomy were less likely to visit the doctor or take medication for sleep issues. This improvement was particularly noticeable in children older than five years compared to younger ones. The findings suggest that the surgery may be an effective treatment for children with mild sleep-disordered breathing, though it is typically used for moderate to severe cases.
However, researchers note that further studies are needed to understand how removing the tonsils and adenoids helps children with mild breathing problems. More research is also required to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the surgery compared to other treatment options. The study opens up new possibilities for managing sleep issues in children with milder forms of sleep-disordered breathing.
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