Everything to Know about Children’s Snoring

Snoring is a common problem among both adults and children. There are many potential causes of snoring, some of which are temporary and others that may be more long-lasting.

If your child is snoring frequently or severely, it may be a sign of a problem with their breathing during sleep. This is something you should talk to your child’s doctor about, as it may be a sign of a more severe condition.

Snoring in children can be caused by a number of things, including allergies, colds, and enlarged tonsils or adenoids. It can have several consequences, including sleep deprivation and poor sleep quality. There are many treatments available, including medication, surgery, and lifestyle changes.

Snoring in Children

Some children snore occasionally, and it does not impact their overall health or well-being. However, other children may snore more frequently and severely, which can lead to health problems such as sleep apnea.

Snoring occurs when the airflow through the nose and mouth is obstructed, causing the tissues in the throat to vibrate. This usually happens when the person is lying on their back, as gravity pulls the tongue and soft palate down into the throat. However, snoring can also occur when someone is lying on their side.

Sleep-disordered breathing is a condition where a person has trouble breathing during sleep. This can be caused by various things and can happen if the person has a lot of tissue in their throat or a deviated septum. Sleep-disordered breathing can range from mild to severe and can be a serious medical condition.

On the other end of the spectrum is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), when a child snores loudly and frequently and pauses in breathing during sleep. This can lead to other health problems, such as daytime sleepiness, attention problems, and poor growth.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which a child’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. This can cause fragmented sleep and negatively impact physical and mental health, learning, and behaviour.

Children with obstructive sleep apnea may have pauses in breathing while they sleep. These pauses can last for a few seconds to minutes and frequently happen throughout the night. Children with OSA may snore loudly and sometimes with gasp-like breaks.

The Causes of Children Snoring

There are many reasons why someone might snore. Blockages in the airway are a common cause, which can be caused by a variety of things, such as:

Allergies
Asthma
Congestion
Contaminated air
Deviated septum
Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
Environmental tobacco smoke
Nasal polyps
Obesity

Conclusion

Children snoring can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. If your child snores regularly, it is important to consult your pediatrician to rule out any potential health concerns.

Snoring can also disrupt a child’s sleep, leading to daytime fatigue and poor performance in school. Many effective treatments are available to help reduce or eliminate snoring in children. With proper diagnosis and treatment from trusted clinics and professionals, your child can enjoy a good night’s sleep–and so can you!

If you need a Lethbridge sleep apnea clinic, check out Lethbridge Snoring & Sleep Apnea Clinic. We’re passionate about helping our patients achieve better sleep health. We provide sleep testing to help understand and assess underlying sleep conditions. Get an appointment now!