Snoring in Children
Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea in children is often due to enlarged tonsils or adenoids which require removal. Snoring is typically resolved after a tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy.
Causes of Snoring in Children
Other common causes of snoring in children include:
Obstructive sleep apnea- Nasal allergies
- Obesity
Health Affects of Snoring in Children
While once thought to be benign, chronic snoring in children is now believed by many pediatric experts to be detrimental to a child’s overall health and a possible contributing factor to higher incidences of:
- Cognitive problems or poor school performance
- Depression or anxiety
- Daytime drowsiness
- Behavioral problems
- Decreased concentration
- Dental abnormalities
- Increased blood pressure
- Heart and lung disorders
Behavioral Issues in Children with Snoring
Snoring can significantly disrupt sleep in children causing them to be groggy and tired during waking hours, making concentration difficult. Studies suggest that a substantial number of children who have been diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have sleep apnea. Children who suffer from sleep apnea often exhibit behavioral problems and have learning difficulties due to chronic fragmented sleep. Research shows that treating sleep apnea in children often results in:
- Improved grades
- Fewer behavioral problems
- Less hyperactivity
Other conditions that have been associated with sleep apnea in children include:
- Slow growth
- Sleepwalking
- Bedwetting
- Obesity
- Metabolic and hormonal problems
Sleep apnea can affect cognitive abilities during a child’s crucial time of brain development. If your child is habitually snoring or you are concerned that your child’s sleep is being interrupted due to sleep disordered breathing (upper airway obstruction occurring during sleep), contact our office for an appointment.
Treatments for snoring in children, as in adults, will depend on the severity and cause of the snoring and be similar to snoring treatment for adults.
If you think your child suffers from habitual snoring or has symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea in conjunction with snoring, contact our office for an appointment. Dr. Gamble and Dr. Kubala are ear, nose, throat, and sinus surgeons with offices located in Plano and Dallas. To schedule an appointment with our office, please call our Plano office at 972-378-0633 or Dallas office at 214-239-1641.
