Snoring
While occasional snoring in children is often harmless, frequent or loud snoring can be a sign of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Snoring occurs when airflow is partially blocked during sleep, causing tissues in the airway to vibrate. In children, this is often due to enlarged tonsils or adenoids, though other causes like nasal congestion, allergies or obesity may contribute.
Parents may notice symptoms beyond snoring that raise concern for SDB. These include restless sleep, mouth breathing, gasping or choking at night, bedwetting, daytime fatigue or behavioral issues like irritability, hyperactivity, or trouble concentrating in school. Persistent snoring, especially when combined with these symptoms, warrants evaluation by our team at ENT for Kids.
Management of snoring in children starts with identifying and treating the underlying cause. In mild cases or when nasal allergies or congestion are contributing factors, medical treatment such as nasal steroid sprays or antihistamines may help reduce inflammation and improve airflow. If enlarged tonsils or adenoids are the main cause, our providers may recommend a tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy, which are common and effective surgeries for resolving snoring and improving breathing during sleep.
In some children, especially those with persistent symptoms after surgery or with more complex conditions, additional evaluation such as a sleep study (polysomnogram) may be needed to assess for obstructive sleep apnea. Treatment options might then include further medical therapy or, in more severe cases, CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy to support nighttime breathing. If your child snores regularly or seems to struggle with sleep, it’s important to seek medical guidance to ensure healthy rest and prevent long-term complications.
If you’re concerned about your child’s sleep quality, please reach out to us to arrange a consultation.