Rhinitis symptoms and habitual snoring in Ecuadorian children

Alfonso Tafur, Iván Chérrez-Ojeda, Cecilia Patiño, David Gozal, Cynthia Rand, Mantilla Ronnie, Guerrero Thomas, Soria Jaime, Chica Jacquelin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Study objectives: To determine the prevalence of habitual snoring (HS) and its association with symptoms of rhinitis in a Latin American country and, secondarily, to assess how commonly physicians address rhinitis in the community. Patients or participants: Six- to twelve-year-old school-aged children. Population and methods: We designed a cross-sectional, community-based study of the pediatric population, centered in schools of Guayaquil, Ecuador. The study was evaluated and approved by the ethical committee of the Hospital Luis Vernaza as a local institution. Measurements and results: A 15.1% prevalence of HS was reported among 806 responders out of 1193 surveys. The frequency of HS was associated with the number of rhinitis symptoms and a previous diagnosis of rhinitis, with those reporting ≥2 rhinitic symptoms being more likely to report HS (p = 0.01). Only a small minority of caregivers reported being aware of either HS or rhinitis as health problems. Conclusions: HS is a highly prevalent symptom among Ecuadorian children, and the prevalence is further increased if the diagnosis of rhinitis or even >1 rhinitis symptom is concomitantly present. Since few caregivers of HS children are informed about the causes and consequences of this condition, increased health education about this condition is needed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1035-1039
Number of pages5
JournalSleep Medicine
Volume10
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Children
  • Habitual snoring
  • Latin American
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Rhinitis
  • Snoring

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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