Dr Mew & Dr McIntosh: Nasal Breathing & Craniofacial Development in Kids

Summary

In this insightful discussion, Mike Mew and David McIntosh delve into the critical impact of sleep and breathing disorders on children's development, particularly in those with autism and ADHD. They explore how issues like middle ear infections, nasal allergies, and sleep-disordered breathing affect brain growth, behavior, and cognitive function. David highlights the importance of addressing these underlying causes before diagnosing conditions like ADHD, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to children's health. The conversation also touches on the rising prevalence of ENT problems and how these impact neural development, leading to potentially misguided treatments.

Takeaways

• 😀 Middle ear infections leading to hearing loss can impair brain growth and development in children, especially those with autism, who are more sensitive to sensory issues.
• 😀 Nasal allergies and breathing issues can disrupt sleep and behavior in children with autism, further exacerbating sensory challenges and irritability.
• 😀 Sleep-disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is linked to abnormal neural activity and brain development, particularly in the frontal and prefrontal cortex.
• 😀 Fragmented sleep due to sleep-disordered breathing can lead to cognitive issues such as poor focus, impulse control, and behavioral problems, often mimicking ADHD symptoms.
• 😀 Many children diagnosed with ADHD may actually be suffering from sleep disorders like sleep apnea, which could be misdiagnosed due to a lack of consideration for sleep and breathing issues.
• 😀 Studies show that sleep deprivation can induce ADHD-like behaviors in children, suggesting that ADHD diagnoses may sometimes be linked to sleep-related problems rather than neurological disorders.
• 😀 Neural mapping in children with obstructive sleep apnea reveals fewer and weaker connections between brain regions, leading to impaired cognitive function and brain underdevelopment.
• 😀 Children with untreated sleep apnea may experience brain damage, including neuronal cell death and brain inflammation, which could result in permanent cognitive and developmental deficits.
• 😀 The rise in sleep and breathing problems in children may be linked to modern lifestyle changes, such as poor diet and environmental factors, which have altered facial and airway development.
• 😀 A comprehensive, integrated approach to diagnosing children with behavioral or developmental challenges is essential, considering both sleep and breathing health before jumping to conclusions like ADHD.

Q & A

What is the impact of middle ear infections on children with autism?

Middle ear infections can lead to fluid buildup and hearing problems in children with autism. This can significantly affect their brain development and growth, especially since these children may already have a neurodevelopmental delay.

How do nasal allergies impact children with autism and ADHD?

Nasal allergies can cause breathing difficulties, which are especially disruptive for children with autism due to their sensory issues. These problems can disturb their sleep, further affecting their overall health and brain function.

How does sleep and breathing affect the brain's neural development?

Poor sleep and breathing can impair neural development, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, which regulates focus, behavior, and decision-making. This may result in behavioral problems and difficulties in concentration, potentially leading to a misdiagnosis of ADHD.

What is the relationship between sleep deprivation and ADHD diagnoses?

Research has shown that sleep deprivation can mimic ADHD symptoms, such as hyperactivity and inability to focus. In some cases, children diagnosed with ADHD may actually be suffering from sleep disorders, leading to an incorrect diagnosis.

Why might ADHD medication not be the right solution for children with sleep disorders?

While medication can help children with ADHD, it might not address the root cause if the child actually has sleep disordered breathing. Resolving breathing issues can often reduce the need for medication or at least lower the dosage required.

What is the difference between sleep disordered breathing and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?

Sleep disordered breathing is a broad category that includes conditions where breathing is interrupted during sleep, while obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a severe form where the airway is completely blocked, causing the child to stop breathing. OSA leads to more significant health and developmental issues.

How does obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affect brain activity in children?

Children with OSA often show abnormal neural activity, with reduced brain connections and weakened communication between different brain regions. This can lead to cognitive and developmental delays.

What are the long-term effects of interrupted sleep and low oxygen levels on the brain?

Interrupted sleep and low oxygen levels can lead to neuronal cell death, brain tissue damage, and inflammation, resulting in long-term developmental and cognitive issues. The brain's inability to function properly due to these factors can have serious consequences for a child's overall development.

How does the brain compensate when sleep is fragmented due to breathing issues?

When sleep is fragmented, the brain struggles to maintain deep, restorative sleep. This causes cognitive impairment and difficulty staying focused. The brain’s adaptive mechanisms are compromised, leading to further developmental delays and potential behavioral issues.

What role does facial structure play in sleep disordered breathing and neurodevelopment?

Changes in facial structure, such as narrowed airways and underdeveloped arches, can contribute to sleep disordered breathing. These structural changes may be linked to the rise in various developmental issues and neurocognitive disorders in modern children, compared to ancestral populations with more robust facial structures.