A research project, being carried out by University of Otago PhD candidate Ghassan Idris, is looking into alternative treatments to the removal of tonsils for children suffering from sleep-disordered breathing.
An alternative treatment is wearing a mouth appliance while sleeping, which has proved effective in adults. The study aims to look at its efficacy in children.
Mr Idris said 16 participants aged between 8 to 12 years were needed. So far, there were seven.
''We are asking for children who snore. It is something that is essential to worry about. It affects the wellbeing of the children, their education, their growth is affected and it can lead to behaviour issues. Taking part in this study will be beneficial,'' he said.
The mandibular advancement splints, which were chosen out of four appliances, bring the lower jaw forward and expand the upper airways.
''If we are able to expand the upper airways, that will have the same target of removing the tonsils. It is something that is simple, especially in mild to moderate cases. It could also be used to help relieve the child prior to tonsil removal if they are on a waiting list for six months,'' he said.
Mr Idris said up to 10% of children in New Zealand were affected
by sleep-disordered breathing syndrome.
''It is something that is often undiagnosed. The idea [using the device] is widely used and accepted in growth modification and is common around the world,'' he said.
As part of the research project, Mr Idris hoped to increase awareness about the issue, as it was ''hard to discover and/or diagnose''. He may spread the word using dental clinics and as a follow-up for children in hospital.
For more information about the research project contact Ghassan Idris on 479-7084 or kids.snoring@otago.ac.nz.
