Snoring is one of those irritating things that people laugh about but generally tolerate. If you have a kid who snores, you will probably laugh about it and not pay a second thought to it. And, in many cases, you are right to do so. Sometimes, however, snoring can indicate an underlying problem that can harm your child’s development.
Today, we will take a closer look at some of the common causes of snoring in kids and when it would be a good idea to talk to your pediatrician about it. Getting on top of your kids’ snoring problems will make everyone in the house a lot happier—both in the short and long term.
Why Do People Snore?
Snoring is something that everyone does at some point, although it is essential to note that it is more common in adults. People will start snoring if they are unable to freely move air through the mouth and nose during sleep.
Reasons for Snoring
There are many different reasons why people snore, but the most common culprits in kids are enlarged adenoids or tonsils.
Other conditions that can make your kids snore include:
- A deviated septum
- Seasonal allergies
- Throat infections
- Asthma
- Sleep apnea
- Blocked nasal passages due to a cold
- Obesity
What to Look and Listen For
If you notice that your child snores regularly, you should monitor their general behavior and health. They might not be getting enough good-quality sleep, which, if left untreated, can have a massive impact on their behavior, performance at school, and general health.
If the snoring is due to cold or seasonal allergies, then it will usually go away as your child’s symptoms improve. However, if you or other family members notice that the child snores most evenings, then they may be suffering from sleep apnea. Keep an eye and an ear out for the following tell-tale signs that your little one might have obstructive sleep apnea:
- Frequent noisy snoring
- Sleeping with the mouth open and the chin or neck extended
- Pausing breathing or gasping while sleeping
Poor-quality sleep, as seen in kids who suffer from sleep apnea, can lead to changes in behavior such as:
- Hyperactivity
- Irritability
- Daydreaming or zoning out
- Being sleepy or lethargic during the day
- A decrease in performance at school
If you notice any of these changes, then you must speak to your doctor as soon as possible so that they can investigate further.
Treatment Options
Treatment will depend on the reasons for the snoring, but in all cases, the goal will be to restore high-quality sleep to your child. Your child’s doctor will recommend tonsil or adenoid removal if they are the problem. While the prospect of surgery may be worrying, the improvement post-op is usually swift.
If snoring is caused by weight issues, then your doctor will likely put your child on a diet plan. Removing or reducing the levels of allergens in your child’s room will help kids who suffer from seasonal allergies.