#United States #Lexington #tongue-tie #Running Out of Breath #infants

Raising Awareness on Tongue-Tie: A Breathing Dilemma in Infants

In a groundbreaking initiative, high school students from various educational institutions are banding together to address an often-overlooked issue affecting infant health: tongue-tie, also known as ankyloglossia. This common condition affects up to 11% of newborns and can severely impact their ability to breathe, feed, and sleep properly. The students' efforts culminated in the documentary film "Running Out of Breath," which aims to educate parents and healthcare practitioners about this critical yet frequently misdiagnosed problem.

Tongue-tie occurs when the band of tissue connecting the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth is shorter, thicker, or tighter than usual, limiting tongue movement. This limitation can cause a range of health issues, including difficulties in breastfeeding or bottle-feeding and long-term sleep disruptions. The impacts are profound, affecting not just the infant but also the entire family dynamic, leading to stress and exhaustion.

One of the primary voices in this initiative is Yuvan Rasiah, a senior at Phillips Exeter Academy, who has a personal connection to the issue. Having been born with tongue-tie that went undiagnosed until the age of 13, he experienced significant challenges, including poor sleep patterns, digestive issues, and complicated eating habits. Inspired by his journey, Yuvan collaborated with his sister, Laavanya, and fellow Billerica High School senior, Ananya Mathur, to produce the documentary, which features insights from a diverse group of experts, including those from MIT and Harvard Medical School.

The documentary delves into the intersection of fascia, the nervous system, and how tongue-tie can subtly yet seriously compromise an individual's ability to maintain consistent oxygen intake. The insights shared in the film highlight not just the immediate concerns regarding feeding and breathing but also the long-term cognitive effects associated with poor oxygen flow to the brain resulting from tongue-tie complications. One expert, Dr. Soroush Zaghi from the Breathe Institute, emphasizes that this condition is often overlooked in healthcare settings due to a lack of education in medical schools about its long-term implications.

This initiative aims not only to raise awareness but also to create resources for parents and practitioners. With this goal, the team has developed a dedicated website, runningoutofbreath.org, which serves as a platform for sharing crucial information about breathing techniques and treatments available for tongue-tie. The website is designed to empower parents with knowledge about both surgical and non-surgical treatment options, helping them navigate the complexities of tongue-tie and its effects on their child's health.

The documentary and the accompanying resources shine a much-needed light on a topic that could change the trajectory of countless lives by ensuring that tongue-tie is diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. By fostering discussions around these issues, the students hope to alleviate the distress experienced by families caught in the challenges of feeding and breathing difficulties.

"Parents often express feelings of distress when their children struggle to breathe and feed. Our goal is to create a shared understanding that can lead to improved health outcomes for infants suffering from tongue-tie," Rasiah states.

This campaign is a powerful reminder that awareness and education about tongue-tie can significantly influence the quality of life for many children, ensuring that they receive the care they need from the very beginning of their lives. As these passionate students continue their mission, they aim to transform the conversation around tongue-tie into one of proactive health management and informed decision-making for families everywhere.