Snoring is not only found in adults; even young children may experience this problem. Importantly, it does not only affect the body but also hinders the intellectual development of the little ones. Snoring in children is often found in preschool-aged children from 2 to 8 years old because this is the age when the lymph nodes, especially the tonsils and adenoids, are rapidly growing
Causes of Snoring in Children
- Enlarged tonsils and adenoids especially in children who often catch colds or have frequent infections
- Childhood obesity Excess fat accumulates around the airway, especially the neck area
- Chronic allergic rhinitis The nasal mucosa swells, causing airway obstruction
- Neurological and muscular disorders Affect the respiratory system due to weakened respiratory muscles
- Abnormal facial structure such as a small jaw or short chin
How to Know if Your Child Snores with Sleep Apnea
You can initially observe your child’s sleep quality to see if there are any abnormalities
- Frequency of snoring: snoring occurs at least 4 nights per week
- Characteristics of snoring: loud snoring accompanied by interrupted breathing sounds, although interruptions in children are usually less frequent than in adults
- Snoring accompanied by hyperactivity, excessive daytime sleepiness, and poor concentration in learning
Diagnosis of Snoring
- Medical history taking for diagnosis by a physician
- X-ray examination to check abnormalities of the adenoids and tonsils as well as the facial structure, nasal cavity, etc.
- Sleep Test examination in cases where the child can cooperate, which provides detailed and accurate results to assess severity and guide treatment
Treatment of Snoring in Children
- Medication in children with mild symptoms and nasal cavity narrowing or allergies may be considered as initial treatment
- Surgery is a treatment method that shows quite clear results. Symptoms improve quickly after surgery and may be considered in cases with enlarged adenoids or tonsils
“Snoring” damages child development Children aged 2 – 8 years are in a period of rapid brain growth. If a child has snoring combined with sleep apnea at this age, parents should not be complacent. They should take the child to see a doctor for examination and treatment from the early stages because leaving it untreated not only results in inefficient growth and development but may also be the starting point for chronic diseases in the child from a young age.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phonphorn Apiwattanasevi
Specialist in Ear, Nose, Throat and Sleep Apnea Treatment
Ear, Nose, Throat Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital
