Snoring occurs when airflow in the upper airway is narrowed, becoming partially blocked. Air must be forced through, causing the surrounding tissues to vibrate and produce the snoring sound. About 10 to 12 percent of children regularly snore, according to HealthyChildren.org. Snoring can, however, indicate illness and occasionally very serious health conditions.
Obesity
When your child sleeps, the muscles in her mouth, tongue and throat relax and can partially obstruct the airway. If she is obese, the fat tissue around her neck can put additional pressure on the constricted airway, leading to snoring and increasing her risk for obstructive sleep apnea. A 2009 sleep study conducted by Edward Bixler and associates demonstrated a strong correlation between the presence of sleep disordered breathing and waist circumference and body mass index in children.
Adenoids
Adenoids are located where the nasal passage connects to the throat. They help filter air as it comes in, trapping bacteria, viruses and other foreign particles and preventing them from entering the throat and lungs. If there is an infection, the immune system's response causes the adenoids to swell. Enlarged adenoids can block the respiratory passage, resulting in snoring. As with obesity, obstructive sleep apnea and the symptoms associated with it may also occur with enlarged adenoids.
Nasal Obstruction
A blockage in the nasal passage can result in obstruction and snoring. Infections can lead to temporary swelling of passages, congestion and partial obstruction. Seasonal allergies cause the same response, however, they may induce longer periods of inflammation than infections. Both infections and allergies are temporary and can be reduced with medical treatment. Structural abnormalities can hinder air passage too, although they are not temporary. Structural abnormalities are either present at birth or the result of an injury. A deviated septum is a common structural abnormality.
Mouth and Throat Obstructions
Infection and structural abnormalities effect the mouth and throat too. The tonsils, like the adenoids, filter air and become inflamed when infected. Enlarged tonsils can block the lower portion of the airway and cause snoring. An example of a structural abnormality of the mouth is having a low, thick soft palate, according to MayoClinic.com. A long uvula is another abnormality known to cause snoring.
Sleep Apnea
Long pauses between breaths, known as sleep apnea, are sometimes noticed along with snoring. The same obstruction that causes the snoring can block the passage of air and result in decreased air intake. This is referred to as obstructive sleep apnea, a type of sleep disordered breathing. Signs of obstructive sleep apnea may include restlessness while sleeping, waking up gasping or choking, labored breathing and color changes. If your child suffers from sleep apnea, she may show signs of sleep deprivation, like poor school performance, difficulty getting along with others and other health problems.
