Snoring occurs when air vibrates against the tissue at the back of the throat. Snoring in children may occur on its own, called primary snoring, or as a result of a sleep disorder such as obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. You should consult to a doctor if your child habitually snores.
Causes
The most common reasons for children snoring are enlarged tonsils and adenoids. Anatomical problems, such as a small airway or a small jaw, may also result in snoring. Nasal obstructions caused by allergies or a deviated septum, as well as a cold or an upper respiratory tract infection, cause snoring. Obesity is also a risk factor for snoring in children; a 2010 study published in the journal "Chest" of the American College of Chest Physicians found that obese children are three times more likely to snore than normal weight children.
Prevalence
Habitual snoring--snoring that occurs three to four times a week--affects about 11 percent to 12 percent of all children between 1 and 9 years old in the U.S., according to Medical News Today. Children's tonsils are very large compared to their throats, partially obstructing the airways and causing snoring. This condition peaks at about 5 to 7 years of age.
Sleep Apnea
In 2002, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that all children who snore see a doctor to determine if they have normal primary snoring or obstructive sleep apnea. According to the National Sleep Foundation, about 3 percent of children suffer from sleep apnea or upper airway resistance syndrome, which can lead to delayed growth and cardiovascular problems. Signs of OSA include gasps and pauses in breathing. These pauses cause the brain to be alerted, signaling the body to wake up and start breathing again.
Dangers
Habitual snoring in children may cause a number of problems, including poor school performance, bed-wetting and a misdiagnosis of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. According to the National Sleep Foundation, children who snore loudly are twice as likely to have learning problems. Following a restless night, children are more likely to have a hard time paying attention.
Diagnosis and Treatments
Diagnosing whether your child has OSA includes an overnight sleep study or an overnight pulse oximetry to measure oxygen levels while your child sleeps. Treatment options for snoring in children are dependent on the cause and severity. For children with large tonsils or adenoids, removal of these may be required. Continuous positive airway pressure therapy is a nasal mask that helps children who can't have surgery breathe easier at night.
