The bidirectional interplay of obstructive sleep apnea and viral respiratory infections in children: A novel opportunity for primary prevention

Authors

Gustavo Nino, Division of Pediatric Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
Elizabeth Chorvinsky, Division of Pediatric Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
Surajit Bhattacharya, Division of Pediatric Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
Maria J. Gutierrez, Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

10-4-2024

Journal

Pediatric pulmonology

DOI

10.1002/ppul.27314

Keywords

OSA; adenoids; children; tonsils; viral respiratory infections

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and viral respiratory infections are highly prevalent conditions in children and a major cause of respiratory morbidity in this age group. Severe viral respiratory infections are a known risk factor for pediatric OSA, which is primarily caused by hypertrophy of upper airway lymphoid tissues (adenoids and tonsils). This review examines recent progress in understanding early-life development of lymphoid tissues in the human upper airway, with a particular focus on how respiratory viruses may influence this process and contribute to OSA pathogenesis. It also explores the bidirectional relationship between OSA and severe viral infections, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and novel primary prevention strategies to address these interconnected conditions.

APA Citation

Nino, Gustavo; Chorvinsky, Elizabeth; Bhattacharya, Surajit; and Gutierrez, Maria J., "The bidirectional interplay of obstructive sleep apnea and viral respiratory infections in children: A novel opportunity for primary prevention" (2024). GW Authored Works. Paper 5876.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/5876

Department

Pediatrics