Many of us think snoring happens to us only when we get older. But kids snore, too. In fact, it’s more common than you might think: As many as one-fifth of kids snore on a regular basis, and usually, it’s not a serious problem.
But, for some kids, snoring can be problematic, especially if it happens every night or it’s loud or severe. Sometimes, snoring can be managed with simple lifestyle changes — but at other times, medical intervention is needed to prevent more serious complications.
The team at ENT Specialists can help you find out why your child snores and whether they need medical treatment, beginning with a simple in-office evaluation. Here’s how to tell if it’s time to seek a snoring evaluation for your child.
Snoring happens when the upper airway is partially blocked or restricted during sleep. Just like adults, kids snore for different reasons.
Tonsil or adenoid enlargement is a common reason kids snore. Tonsils and adenoids are clusters of tissue located at the back of the throat. If they’re larger than normal, they can restrict airflow, especially when your child is lying down and relaxed. As air passes, the tissues in the upper airway vibrate, causing snoring.
Other kids snore as a result of allergies or temporary issues, like colds or other respiratory ailments. These problems cause nasal passages and sinuses to swell, making it harder to breathe normally. These kids tend to breathe during their mouths at night, increasing their likelihood of snoring.
Sometimes, snoring is due to a structural problem. A deviated septum, unusually narrow airway, or other anatomical issues can all interfere with normal airflow, particularly when your child is relaxed and sleeping. These problems tend to cause persistent snoring that can result in other health problems over time.
Many adults snore because of an underlying problem called sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). The most common type of SDB is also the one that’s probably most well-known: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
OSA happens when the airway is repeatedly blocked during sleep — sometimes dozens of times a minute. These interruptions are so brief, they often go unnoticed, but that doesn't mean they’re not doing harm.
OSA can lead to problems like daytime sleepiness, headaches, difficulty paying attention, poor school performance, irritability or moodiness, and even behavioral problems. Lower oxygen intake can contribute to physical health issues, too, even taking a toll on normal growth and development.
Fortunately, OSA can be diagnosed and treated. The key is seeking treatment early, so your child can continue to enjoy the best health possible.
Although snoring can be benign in some kids, it’s not a “normal” type of breathing, and there’s no way to tell on your own if your child’s snoring needs to be actively treated. Scheduling an exam with our team is the first essential step in preventing more serious issues (and helping your child get more restorative sleep).
Certainly, if you notice loud snoring, choking, or gasping during sleep, these issues — hallmark signs of OSA — need to be evaluated right away. The same is true if you notice symptoms like restless sleep or daytime fatigue, too.
During your child’s evaluation, we assess their upper airway, including their nasal passages, sinuses, and throat, to help identify the underlying cause. Sleep studies can help in some instances, too.
Once we determine what’s causing your child’s snoring, we’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan based on your child’s individual needs, whether that means medication, lifestyle changes (like using a humidifier), or minimally invasive procedures to improve airflow.
Snoring may seem like a minor issue, but in some instances, it can have a major impact on your child’s health and quality of life — now and in their future. If your child snores regularly or shows other signs of disrupted sleep, call or message to request an appointment with the team at ENT Specialists in Salt Lake City, Murray, Magna, Draper, and Tooele, Utah, today.
