Search

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine prevalence of snoring in children younger than 18 years of age and to identify associated risk factors and complications in a population based study. Material and Method: This cross sectional study was conducted in Manisa, Turkey. Questionnaires about snoring and associated risk factors were applied to 650 children who were determined using cluster sampling method (339 females, 311 males). Results: Prevalence of habitual snoring was 4.9%. Current history of wheezing or allergic rhinitis increased the odds of habitual snoring 3.1 times when compared to children without current wheezing (p=0.006; OR: 3.11, 95%CI: 1.3-7.3 and p=0.002; OR: 3.11, 95%CI: 1.5-6.6 respectively). Grade 3 tonsil hypertrophy increased odds of habitual snoring 22.5 times compared to no tonsil hypertrophy (p<0.001; OR: 22.4, 95%CI: 6.0-83.9). Nighttime symptoms like apnea were more frequent in habitual snorers when compared to non-snorers (28.1% vs 3.6%; p<0.001; OR: 10.5, 95%CI: 4.3-25.6). Conclusions: Current wheezing, allergic rhinitis and tonsil hypertrophy are significant risk factors for habitual snoring. Therefore, children with these disorders need to be assessed for snoring that may influence their development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]