Why Do Children Snore? Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options

Why Snoring in Children Should Not Be Ignored

Though snoring may seem harmless in children, it does indicate an underlying health problem, such as nasal congestion, enlarged adenoids or tonsils, and sleep apnea.  Chronic snoring can lead to daytime fatigue, growth delays, mood swings, poor academic performance, and disrupted sleep. It is vital that early intervention by a pediatrician diagnoses the cause and prevents health issues later on. Never ignore snoring in a child.

Common Causes of Snoring in Children

Most common causes of child’s snoring are due to allergies, swollen adenoids and tonsils, leading to partial obstruction of breathing passages. Obesity leads to heavier snoring. This is because there is additional pressure of fatty tissue on the airways in the neck and throat, especially when lying down on their back. From deviated septum to pediatric sleep apnea, there might be reasons to schedule a visit to the doctor to get the required medical evaluation.

More often than not, we overlook snoring and dismiss it as just another cause of annoyance at night. But, know that snoring in children needs to be taken seriously. You might be wondering what causes snoring in children – well the reasons are plenty and varied. From obesity, allergies, asthma to a septum, which is deviated, the causes are never ending. However, since knowledge is power – you will find below some of the most common causes of snoring in children.

Adenoids and Tonsils

When tonsils and adenoids increase in size, they tend to become a major cause for snoring in children. What happens is that the expanded glands support the obstruction of the airways, which leads to the child’s inability to breathe properly while he is asleep. Also, if your child is overweight, then the fat around his throat might be another reason.

Abnormality of the Nose

If the airway of your child’s nostrils become out of place, then be sure that a deformity of his or her has occurred. The technical word here is “deviated septum”, it doesn’t encourage breathing through the nose. This is because, in the case of such deformity, your child’s nostril passages do not complement each other. One is smaller than the other is, and this lessens the flow of air, which ultimately leads to breathing problems.

Respiratory Trouble

This is perhaps the commonest of all causes. If the child is suffering from any nasal allergy or sinus, snoring is bound to happen. Generally, in these situations, there is a nasal block, which makes it impossible for the child to breathe properly and forces him to inhale and exhale through the mouth – which ultimately causes snoring.

Sleep Apnea

This condition can be life-threatening if not treated properly. Research says that children aged between 1 to 9 are most likely to develop this disease. Obstructive Sleep Apnea strikes your child when the air is unable to flow via the upper respiratory system. This creates breathing problems and eventually makes your child snore.
Now, that you have an idea about what causes snoring in children, consider the following solutions.

Treatment for Snoring

• Make sure your child sleeps at least eight hours during the night.
• Make sure that he avoids junk food as much as possible and embraces a healthy diet.
• Visit a doctor to check whether he has sinus problems and then follow his advice. Also, visit an ENT specialist.
• See to it that his nasal passages are cleared.
• Get rid of materials that cause allergy.

If worse comes to worst, and your child still snores then either get him an anti snore spray or go to a doctor and see if he recommends surgery to get rid of your child’s problem once and for all.

Treatment Options for Child Snoring

The treatment of your child’s snoring depends upon the underlying cause that is diagnosed. The standard treatment includes antihistamines for allergies, tonsil removal surgery if swollen, and losing weight, if obese. Positional therapy is of assistance if snoring worsens when your child sleeps on their back. Oftentimes, a pediatric sleep study might be needed for evaluation of sleep apnea. Consult with an ENT specialist to get the best treatment for snoring in children.

When to See a Doctor

It becomes important to see a doctor if you notice your child snoring loudly and regularly. Additionally, if the child wakes up gasping for breath, coughing or there are pauses in breathing, then see a doctor immediately. Frequent snoring is a sign of swollen tonsils or adenoid glands, allergies, nasal congestion and even sleep apnea. Thus, if your child is showing signs of low alertness, restless sleep, behavioral issues or even mood swings, it might be due to sleep deprivation due to snoring. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and enhance the health of your child.

Conclusion

It is not a good sign if your child is snoring every night. It is a symptom of underlying health issues such as nasal congestion, enlarged tonsils/adenoids, sleep apnea and poor performance, apart from behavioral issues. It is essential for parents to consider heavy snoring as a marker to show the doctor and identify the hidden cause of snoring. Proper sleep is essential for cognitive and physical development of the child.