Many parents think of snoring as something harmless, often imagining it as a problem for adults rather than kids. However, if your child is snoring regularly, especially if it’s loud or accompanied by pauses in breathing, it could be a sign of something more serious—Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). While occasional snoring may be nothing to worry about, persistent snoring in children can point to OSA, which affects sleep quality and can lead to other health issues.
Snoring in Children
Snoring occurs when the airway is partially blocked during sleep, causing vibrations in the throat that produce the sound. In children, snoring is often caused by enlarged tonsils or adenoids, which can block airflow. While snoring can happen occasionally due to a cold or allergies, consistent snoring is not something to ignore.
Common Causes of Snoring:
- Enlarged tonsils and adenoids – The most common cause of snoring in children. These tissues can swell and obstruct airflow during sleep.
- Nasal congestion – Allergies, sinus infections, or colds can block the nasal passages and cause snoring.
- Obesity – Excess weight can lead to extra tissue in the throat, contributing to snoring.
- Sleep position – Sleeping on the back can cause the tongue and soft tissues in the throat to fall backwards, narrowing the airway.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)?
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a sleep disorder where a child’s airway becomes completely or partially blocked during sleep, leading to pauses in breathing. These pauses, called apnoeas, can last a few seconds or longer, causing the child to wake up briefly multiple times throughout the night without even realizing it.
Signs of OSA in Children:
- Loud snoring that occurs most nights
- Pauses in breathing followed by gasping or choking sounds
- Restless sleep, tossing and turning throughout the night
- Mouth breathing during sleep
- Nighttime sweating
- Bedwetting beyond the typical age
- Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
The Impact of Sleep Apnoea on Children
Sleep is crucial for a child’s growth and development. When a child suffers from OSA, their sleep is repeatedly disrupted, preventing them from reaching the deep, restorative stages of sleep. This can affect their overall health and well-being in a number of ways:
- Children with OSA often don’t get enough restful sleep, leading to excessive daytime sleepiness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating in school.
- Poor sleep quality can lead to cognitive problems like difficulty focusing, memory issues, and hyperactivity. In fact, OSA is sometimes mistaken for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) because the symptoms can be so similar.
- Sleep is essential for a child’s growth, as hormones are released during deep sleep. OSA can interfere with this process, potentially affecting a child’s growth and development.
- In severe cases, untreated OSA can put strain on the heart and lungs, leading to long-term cardiovascular problems. This is more common in older children or those with additional risk factors like obesity.
Diagnosing OSA in Children
If you notice signs of snoring or suspect your child might have OSA, consult an ENT specialist. Dr. Liu Jiaying at Aurion ENT & Hearing Centre specialises in diagnosing and treating sleep-related breathing disorders in children. The diagnosis typically involves a thorough examination of your child’s medical history, physical examination of the throat, nose, and airway, and sometimes a sleep study (polysomnography) to monitor your child’s breathing patterns during sleep.
Treatment Options for Snoring and OSA
The treatment for snoring or OSA in children depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Here are some common approaches:
- Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy – If enlarged tonsils or adenoids are causing the airway blockage, removing them through surgery can often resolve the problem. This is one of the most common and effective treatments for OSA in children.
- CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) – For children who have moderate to severe OSA and are not good candidates for surgery, a CPAP machine can help. It delivers gentle air pressure through a mask to keep the airway open during sleep.
- Weight management – In cases where obesity is contributing to snoring or OSA, maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can make a significant difference.
- Nasal treatments – If nasal congestion due to allergies or sinus issues is causing snoring, managing these conditions with antihistamines, nasal sprays, or other medications can help improve airflow and reduce snoring.
- Sleep position changes – Encouraging your child to sleep on their side rather than their back can help keep the airway open. You can also use positioning aids like wedges to ensure they maintain the right posture during sleep.
When to See an ENT Specialist
As a parent, it can be tough to determine when your child’s snoring is something to worry about. While occasional snoring due to a cold or allergies is normal, persistent snoring that occurs most nights, or snoring accompanied by pauses in breathing, should not be ignored. If your child is experiencing daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or any other signs of OSA, it’s a good idea to seek help.
Dr. Liu Jiaying at Aurion ENT & Hearing Centre is highly experienced in managing snoring and OSA in children, providing tailored treatments to improve your child’s quality of sleep and overall health.
Don’t Ignore the Snoring
Snoring in children is often more than just a noise issue—it can be a sign of a deeper problem like Obstructive Sleep Apnoea. Identifying the symptoms early and seeking the right treatment can prevent further complications and help your child get the restful sleep they need for healthy growth and development. If you’re concerned about your child’s snoring, don’t hesitate to consult with an ENT specialist to get the right diagnosis and treatment.
Ensuring your child breathes easy at night can make all the difference in their daytime energy, learning, and well-being.
