Snoring affects 7 to 12 percent of toddlers, and those who don't routinely snore will experience the sleep disturbance at some point. However, you may not know when your child's snoring is a situational result of allergens or a symptom of an underlying sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea, that can result in behavioral implications and surgical treatment. Understanding your child's slumber sounds may help you reach a remedy--and a peaceful night--sooner.
Benign Causes
Snoring may be the result of a stuffy nose caused by temporary illness. This stuffy nose leads to breathing through the mouth and subsequent snoring. To soothe this, try using a humidifier or vaporizer in your toddler's room, which will lead to better breathing through the nose and a reduction in the snoring. Allergies, such as pet or pollen allergies, may also cause snoring due to a stuffy nose. Remove your child from the pet at night or close the window to avoid contact with the allergens. In addition, consult your physician about more permanent solutions to the allergies.
Serious Causes
Snoring may be the result of a more serious disorder called sleep apnea. Of the 7 to 12 percent of toddlers who snore, 1 to 3 percent are diagnosed with the disorder. Sleep apnea is an interruption of breathing during the night, which can cause snoring and gasping. There are three kinds of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), in which the airway is physically blocked; central sleep apnea, where the brain forgets to instruct the muscles to breathe; and mixed apnea, a combination of the central and obstructive. OSA is the most common and is generally caused by inflamed tonsils or adenoids. The disorder peaks in children aged 3 to 6, but can occur at younger ages. In addition, some children are more prone to sleep apnea, including those with Down syndrome, which results in a blocked airway, and those who are overweight, says BabyCenter.
Behavioral Implications of Snoring
Snoring, and the illness or disorder that causes it, disrupts quality of sleep. This can cause daytime behavioral issues such as irritability, crankiness and frustration. In addition, if your child is prone to avoiding naps during the day, she may be experiencing excessive sleepiness. This can actually cause the appearance of hyperactivity, as she continually switches her focus to try to stay awake. While momentary treatment may include a required nap or a soothing bath, treatment of such behaviors includes treatment of the sleep issue at hand.
Treatment of Serious Causes
If your child's weight is the cause, your physician may recommend a modified diet that can promote weight loss. If your physician suspects sleep apnea, he may recommend a visit to a sleep specialist and a diagnostic test, called a polysomnogram. Treatment of sleep apnea may include the removal of the tonsils and adenoids or a specialized machine that keeps your child's airway open through the night via a mask.
Considerations
Snoring can also have causes beyond your control, such as how your child's mouth is built, or the build of the nose. These do not require treatment and may only involve switching sleeping positions, such as moving your toddler on his side when he's asleep. Thus, it is important to consult your physician prior to applying any treatment to be sure you understand the causes and possible treatments available to your toddler.
