Many parents don't realize how common snoring is in children. It can range from the occasional noisy breath to regular nighttime snoring. Most of the time, it's harmless, but sometimes it can signal problems like pediatric sleep apnea or airway blockage, which can affect your child's health. Knowing the possible causes, such as enlarged adenoids or other airway issues, helps parents decide when to see a children's ENT in Atlanta. Catching these signs early can help your child sleep better and grow well.
How Sleep and Airflow Affect Snoring
Snoring occurs when something partially blocks airflow through the mouth or nose during sleep, causing the tissues to vibrate. In kids, this is often caused by things like a stuffy nose from a cold or allergies. About 10% of children snore regularly, but most of the time it isn't serious. Knowing what causes snoring can help parents spot patterns and notice when something might need a closer look.
Common Causes of Snoring in Children
Several things can cause a child to snore. Some are temporary, while others might need a doctor's help. The most common reasons are nasal congestion from allergies and enlarged tonsils or adenoids, which can each affect how your child breathes.
Nasal Congestion and Allergies
When kids have a cold or allergies, a stuffy nose can block airflow and make them breathe through their mouths, which can lead to snoring. Usually, this kind of snoring goes away once the congestion is gone. Parents can help by using saline sprays, a humidifier, making sure their child drinks enough water, and talking to a doctor if allergies keep coming back.
Enlarged Tonsils and Adenoids
Tonsils and adenoids help protect against infections, but they can enlarge in young children, narrowing the airway and causing snoring. This usually happens between ages 3 and 7, when these tissues are naturally larger. If your child snores, has trouble breathing at night, has restless sleep, or seems tired during the day, a pediatric ENT specialist can check whether treatments like removing the adenoids or tonsils might help.
Pediatric Sleep Apnea
Pediatric sleep apnea occurs when a child's breathing stops and starts during sleep, which can disturb their sleep and affect their growth and behavior. Signs include loud or frequent snoring, gasping or choking while sleeping, restless nights, or being tired and irritable during the day. If you notice these symptoms, seeing a pediatric ENT can help. Early treatment can prevent learning or behavior problems and reduce stress on the heart and lungs. Treatments depend on the cause and might include changes in daily habits, allergy management, or procedures such as adenoid removal to help your child breathe better.
Airway Obstruction
Other things besides enlarged tonsils and adenoids can block a child's airway, like differences in airway shape, nasal blockages, obesity, or certain muscle conditions. Signs of a more serious blockage include frequent pauses in breathing, noisy or labored breathing at night, restless sleep, or changes during the day, such as trouble focusing, hyperactivity, or always feeling tired. A pediatric ENT can evaluate these symptoms, identify the cause, and suggest treatments that may include medication or procedures to help your child breathe and sleep better.
Seeking Professional Help
If your child keeps snoring, especially with other symptoms, don't ignore it. A pediatric ENT, like the team at ENT of GA South, can provide a thorough evaluation and recommend the appropriate treatment. These doctors focus on airway problems, so your child will get expert care.
Helping Your Child Breathe and Sleep Better
Knowing what causes snoring in children and spotting signs of more serious problems helps parents support their child's sleep and health. If your child snores loudly, is sleepy during the day, or has trouble breathing at night, it may be time to see a specialist. Pediatric ENT doctors, like those at ENT of GA South, can check your child's airway, find the cause, and suggest ways to help them sleep better. To learn more or make an appointment,visit ENT of GA South.