ENT Specialist in Indiana Addresses a Little Known Link Between Tonsils, Sleep Apnea and Behavior Problems

    MUNSTER, IN, May 09, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, the number of pediatric tonsillectomies has declined significantly since the 1970s. However, statistics show that among those still performed, the reason for the surgery has dramatically changed. Thirty years ago, 90 percent of tonsil removals were done because of recurrent infections. Today, only 20 percent are removed because of infections and 80 percent are done to improve obstructive sleep problems such as sleep apnea.

Ronald Jamerson, M.D., a board-certified otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat specialist) in Indiana at Medical Specialists explains that enlarged tonsils and adenoids can partially block the airway during sleep and cause obstructive sleep apnea. During sleep apnea, the child's breathing is blocked and as a result, he or she chokes or gasps for air, causing a slower heart rate and increased blood pressure. If this happens frequently throughout the night, the child's sleep is disrupted. "Sleep apnea affects approximately 2 percent of all children, but many are undiagnosed, so the actual number is most definitely higher," says Dr. Jamerson.

Studies have found that due to a lack of sleep caused by the snoring and sleep apnea, these children are more likely to have attention and behavior problems in school, more or less energy, slowed growth, increased bed wetting and sometimes an ADD or ADHD diagnosis. Tonsil and adenoid removal, known as adenotonsillectomy, can eliminate the problem and greatly improve the child's sleep. Studies have also shown that the surgery can significantly improve the behavior of many children.

"The link between enlarged tonsils and adenoids, obstructive sleep apnea and its side effects is well known among practitioners," says Dr. Jamerson. "However many parents who sit in my office have never heard of this. After I explain it to them, it's like a light bulb goes off in their heads - you can actually see them connecting the dots between the sounds they hear at night and other behaviors or issues their child has," Dr. Jamerson says.

According to Dr. Jamerson, parents should listen at night for a snoring or gasping sound when their child is sleeping. If parents hear these sounds, they should talk to their child's doctor and put together a list of behavior issues and make note of other points of interest such as bed wetting. These are all good pieces of information to discuss with the doctor and will help determine next steps, which often times includes a sleep study or surgery recommendation. "Sleep is so important and some children just need to get good restorative sleep to help their bodies get back on track," Dr. Jamerson says.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Jamerson in the Medical Specialists Department of Ear, Nose & Throat, please call (219) 365-0970.

Medical Specialists is a unique healthcare organization comprised of highly trained and compassionate primary care and specialty care physicians and surgeons. Providing the highest quality healthcare to residents of Northwest Indiana since 1978, Medical Specialists brings university level medical care to the community setting. No matter where you live in Northwest Indiana, there's a Medical Specialist provider nearby.

Website: www.medspecindiana.com

# # #