Zach and Tori Roloff, beloved stars of Little People Big World, recently received a significant diagnosis for their four-year-old daughter, Lilah. The couple shared the news during an episode of LPBW, revealing that Lilah has sleep apnea and will undergo surgery to address the issue. Let’s explore the cause of the sleep disorder and their plans for treatment.
Lilah Roloff has been grappling with sleep difficulties for some time, leaving her parents, Zach and Tori, searching for answers. In a recent episode of Little People Big World, the couple disclosed that Lilah has been diagnosed with a moderate case of sleep apnea following a sleep study.
Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by irregular breathing patterns during sleep, causing breathing to intermittently start and stop. It is often associated with snoring and daytime fatigue, despite adequate sleep. Sleep studies are commonly recommended for individuals with dwarfism due to their increased vulnerability to sleep apnea-related problems.
Zach shared in a confessional that Lilah will likely require a tonsillectomy, which is expected to alleviate her sleep apnea. He explained that removing her tonsils is believed to resolve the issue.
In addition to diagnosing the problem, the sleep study was conducted to ensure Lilah’s safety during anesthesia. Zach also discussed the unique challenges that individuals with dwarfism face when undergoing surgery, particularly related to their airway structure.
People with dwarfism have slightly different airways, making them more susceptible to complications. Zach addressed these concerns, shedding light on the potential risks involved with surgical procedures.
The couple also shared their efforts to prepare Lilah for the sleep study, acknowledging the potential fear it may evoke in a young child.
“We’ve been telling her that they’ll put stickers all over her head and that there will be a nurse present,” Zach explained. “We hope she understands, but sometimes she gets scared and has a difficult time recovering from that fear.”
Zach and Tori’s journey with Lilah’s sleep apnea diagnosis and upcoming surgery continues to resonate with Little People Big World fans. Their openness about the challenges they face as parents brings awareness to the unique aspects of dwarfism and the importance of addressing associated health issues.