Numerous if not most kids snore occasionally, and approximately 10% or more snore on most nights. Snoring is the noise vibrations produce in the respiratory system's upper airways because of blocked air movement during sleep.
It's important to note that primary snoring isn't linked to more severe issues such as obstructive sleep apnea syndrome or OSAS, recurrent arousals from sleep, or the lungs' inability to breathe inadequate oxygen.
Loud and regular snoring is frequently unusual in otherwise healthy kids. At times, it's an indication of a respiratory infection, an allergy, or stuffy nose. Other times it may be a sign of a disorder in which case a sleeping disorder test may be necessary.
If you're concerned about your child snoring, we recommend you seek a diagnosis to establish whether he or she is experiencing ordinary primary snoring or OSAS. Here's what you need to know about childhood snoring.
Possible Causes of Childhood Snoring
The flu, colds, and allergies
Upper respiratory infections are common causes of occasional snoring in children. It occurs when the child's nose becomes stuffed and mucus obstructs his or her airway, creating airflow turbulence as it passes through the child's throat. Allergies may also be a possible cause for snoring because they can cause congestion.
Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
Adenoids are the lymph tissue situated where your nose meets the throat while the tonsils are two lymph tissue lumps situated at the back of your throat. Both tonsils and adenoids protect your child against infections by trapping inhaled bacteria and viruses. However, they at times become swollen and infected in the process. Consequently, enlarged tonsils and adenoids can hinder airflow, causing your child to snore.
Deviated septum
A deviated septum arises when the displacement or offset of the nostrils' airway occurs. This makes it difficult to breathe through the nose because the passage in one nostril is smaller than the other, decreasing airflow and causing breathing difficulty.
Obstructive sleep apnea
If pauses in breathing interrupt the loud snoring, your child may have this sleeping disorder. OSA is a serious disorder in which air cannot pass through the lungs. The pauses can last ten or more seconds and they can occur several times during the night. This can be dangerous and could break up your child's sleep, causing grumpiness, extreme fatigue, headaches, difficulty concentrating, and growth problems.
Most OSA cases in children originate from enlarged tonsils or adenoids although being overweight could obstruct the airway, resulting in sleep apnea. A child with disordered breathing may experience irritability, sleepiness during the day, or trouble concentrating in school. You might also observe hyperactive or busy behavior. Bed-wetting is also evident in children with sleep apnea.
Other Signs of Sleep Disorders in Children
Trouble Sleeping
If your child frequently complains about being unable to sleep or has difficulty staying asleep, or frequently wakes up earlier than the expected time, these could be insomnia symptoms, in which case our home insomnia test would provide reliable results.
In children, insomnia could be the result of factors such as pain, stress, or mental disorders. Stress can arise from various sources including social issues, changes to regular patterns, or difficulty with schoolwork.
Nightmares
Nightmares are terrifying dreams that take place during REM sleep. A child experiencing nightmares will typically wake up feeling threatened, terrified, afraid, making it difficult for him or her to fall back asleep.
Bear in mind that occasional nightmares are common in children from around the age of three and can take place more often between the ages of 6 and 10. Typically, the incidence of nightmares starts tapering off after age 10. Beware that frequent waking can disturb your child's sleep, possibly leading to behavioral problems and anxiety.
Solutions for Childhood Snoring
- Eliminate potential allergen triggers, for instance, stuffed animals and comforters
- Prescribe allergy and sinus congestion medications
- Consult with an ENT specialist to see if your child's adenoids and tonsils need removal
- Consider elevating your child's mattress or head at night using a special pillow, which can help alleviate congestion and clear up his or her nasal passages
- If your child snores throughout the night and you suspect it isn't normal, we recommend you visit your pediatrician, particularly if breathing problems accompany the snoring.
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