Snoring and sleep disorders in children with hypertrophy of lymphoid tissue in the throat

Hypertrophy of lymphoid tissue within the throat in children leads to a number of respiratory problems and sleep disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of the above-mentioned changes depending on the location of overgrown lymphoid tissue, BMI, and coexisting allergies. The study was based on a survey conducted in a group of 103 children aged 3–14 with a hypertrophy of lymphoid tissue requiring surgery. The questionnaire included questions about symptoms of sleep disordered breathing. In addition, BMI was calculated and the coexistence of other diseases in the group of examined children was taken into account. Pathological changes predominated in children aged 4–6. The incidence of snoring was the most common, observed in 87%, followed by apnea in 45% of the examined group. Co-occurrence of allergies was observed in 36% and excess of body weight in 21% of the children. Overweight was an essential factor that facilitated apneic sleep episodes accompanying lymphoid hyperplasia. Snoring and nasal obstruction were observed more often in allergic patients.

► Sleep disordered breathing in children should be considered a social problem.
► Snoring should be regarded as an independent disease entity with clinical consequences.
► The prevalence of snoring depends on the location of overgrown lymphoid tissue.
► Obesity in children increases the risk of sleep disorders.
► Interviews with caretakers are likely as important for diagnosis as a polysomnography.