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Dear Colleagues,

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a significant health problem worldwide. Among children, the prevalence of habitual snoring is 10% to 12%, while the prevalence of OSA is 1% to 3%. SDB encompasses a range of abnormal conditions with manifestations that range from simple snoring to potentially serious diseases, including OSA.

Sneezing, itching, a runny nose, and nasal congestion characterize allergic rhinitis. Atopy is considered a risk factor for habitual snoring. Furthermore, children with allergies have a higher risk for SDB or OSAS than non-allergic children. However, the severity of allergic rhinitis is significantly associated with the severity of OSAS. Additionally, allergic rhinitis, habitual snoring, and poor asthma control are important risk factors for SDB. Therefore, atopic children should receive additional attention for snoring and other features of OSAS.

The medical literature supports a proactive role for allergists in diagnosing and managing SDB. Although several studies have investigated the coexistence of OSA and inhalant allergy in standard clinical practice, the correlation has not been sufficiently clarified and investigated.

Dr. Marco Zaffanello
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Children is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

sleep-disordered breathing
obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
children
inhalant allergy
allergic rhinitis
asthma

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Review

5 pages, 206 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Unveiling the Hidden Connection between Allergies and Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children and Its Impact on Health

by Marco Zaffanello and Giorgio Piacentini

Children 2023, 10(7), 1143; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10071143 - 30 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1009

Abstract

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and allergies in children are increasingly relevant health issues that require attention [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Allergy in Children: Current Research Insights and Future Directions)

Review

Jump to: Editorial

16 pages, 1033 KiB

Open AccessReview

Exploring the Complex Interplay of Obesity, Allergic Diseases, and Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children

by Chiara Voltan, Francesca Concer, Luca Pecoraro, Angelo Pietrobelli, Giorgio Piacentini and Marco Zaffanello

Children 2024, 11(5), 595; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11050595 - 15 May 2024

Viewed by 325

Abstract

This narrative review study investigates the correlations between obesity, allergies, and sleep-disordered breathing in pediatric populations. Searches for pertinent articles were conducted on the Medline PubMed Advanced Search Builder, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from unlimited to April 2024. Sleep-disordered breathing causes repeated upper airway obstructions, leading to apneas and restless sleep. Childhood obesity, which affects around 20% of children, is often associated with sleep-disordered breathing and allergies such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. It is distinguished between diet-induced obesity (resulting from excess of diet and physical inactivity) and genetic obesity (such as is seen in Down syndrome and Prader–Willi syndrome). In children with diet-induced obesity, chronic inflammation linked to weight can worsen allergies and increase the risk and severity of asthma and rhinitis. Furthermore, the nasal congestion typical of rhinitis can contribute to upper respiratory tract obstruction and obstructive sleep apnea. A vicious circle is created between asthma and sleep-disordered breathing: uncontrolled asthma and sleep-disordered breathing can worsen each other. In children with genetic obesity, despite alterations in the immune system, fewer allergies are observed compared to the broader population. The causes of this reduced allergenicity are unclear but probably involve genetic, immunological, and environmental factors. Additional research is necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. The present narrative review study emphasizes the importance of jointly evaluating and managing allergies, obesity, and obstructive sleep apnea in children considering their close interconnection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Allergy in Children: Current Research Insights and Future Directions)

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