Snoring is the primary symptom of sleep-disordered breathing, which, in children, is associated with learning disabilities and metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. (File Photo)

    BEIJING, April 11 (Xinhuanet)-- A child whose parents snore is more likely to be a snorer, a new study by Dr. Maninder Kalra, an assistant professor of pediatrics at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, U.S., revealed Monday.

    Snoring is explained to be associated with the dynamics at the back of the mouth and nose, where airflow can become disrupted. The snoring noise is produced when the throat and tongue vibrate against portions of the roof of the mouth, such as the palate and uvula.

    Kalra's study of 681 infants showed that children who tested positive for atopy -- a tendency to develop allergies and asthma --were found to be nearly thrice as likely to be snorers as non-atopic.

    The average age of the infants-- 55 percent were boys, 80 percent were Caucasian, 17 percent were African-American, and 3 percent were biracial or Asian -- was just over 1 year. All the infants were born to parents who were habitual snorers.

    Nasal allergies, infections, structural irregularities and problems related to the tonsils and adenoids -- the infection-fighting spongy tissue above the mouth roof -- were also linked to the onset of snoring. An estimated 40 million children in the West suffer from allergies.

    The findings underlines the link between habitual snoring and genetic make-up.

    Snoring has been linked to behavioral problems, mental impairment, and heart and metabolic disease. "Snoring is the primary symptom of sleep-disordered breathing, which in children is associated with learning disabilities and metabolic and cardiovascular disorders," Kalra said.

    The findings are important because "early intervention can reduce morbidity due to sleep-disordered breathing," said Kalra.

    Surgical, laser and radio-wave treatments for patients of all ages can offer some relief to chronic snorers, by clearing obstructions and tightening loose throat tissue. Nasal masks designed to increase air pressure can also help.

    For less-serious adult cases, physicians suggest a range of lifestyle changes, such as adhering to routine sleep patterns, weight loss, sleeping on one's side, and avoiding alcohol and sleeping medications before turning in. Enditem

    (Agencies)