NIH

Surgery cuts doctor visits and meds for kids with mild sleep-disordered breathing

March 19, 2025

Adenotonsillectomy significantly benefits children with mild sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), according to findings from a recent NIH-funded study.

The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, analyzed data from 459 children aged 3 to 12 over the course of a year. Half the participants received the surgery, while the other half received supportive care, including education on healthy sleep and lifestyle, and referrals for untreated allergies or asthma. An analysis after the 12-month study period found 32% fewer health care encounters and 48% fewer prescriptions used among participants who underwent adenotonsillectomy, compared with those who didn't undergo the surgery. For every 100 children, this equates to 125 fewer health care encounters and 253 fewer prescriptions — including for pain, skin, and respiratory medications — administered during the first year following surgery.

SDB affects 6% to 17% of U.S. children and includes symptoms like loud snoring and occasional breathing pauses. While adenotonsillectomy is standard for moderate to severe cases, this study highlights its effectiveness for mild cases as well.

Source:

(2025, March 17). NIH. Surgery in kids with mild sleep-disordered breathing tied to fewer doctor visits, meds. [News release]. http://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/surgery-kids-mild-sleep-disordered-breathing-tied-fewer-doctor-visits-meds