Is Your Child’s Snoring Cause for Concern?

Snoring among adults is fairly common — about half of us do. Children, however, tend to snore less frequently, and only 1 in 10 does so consistently. If your child snores regularly, it could be a sign of something larger at play. Complicating matters further, snoring could be robbing your child of the restorative sleep they need.

At Sinus & Allergy Wellness Center, Dr. Franklyn Gergits and our team specialize in treating the many conditions that can lead to snoring, from allergies to obstructive sleep apnea. And when it comes to our younger patients, there are times when snoring may be cause for concern. Let’s take a look.

Behind the snoring

There are many reasons why people of all ages snore, including:

• Allergies
• Asthma
• A deviated septum
• Sleep apnea
• Large tonsils or adenoids

While this list isn’t comprehensive, it represents the most likely reasons why your child may be prone to snoring.

When snoring is cause for concern

If your child snores after contact with a known allergen or has a cold, there’s usually no need for concern as these conditions are temporary and can be easily resolved. If, however, your child’s snoring meets the following criteria, it may time for us to take a closer look:

• Your child snores most nights
• Their snoring is audible
• Your child sleeps with their mouth open
• Your child sleeps with their neck or chin extended
• Your child’s snoring is interrupted by periods of silence followed by sharp intakes of air

One of our biggest concerns when it comes to snoring in children is sleep apnea, and the final item on the list above is one of the hallmarks of this condition.

Beyond snoring

Whether or not your child’s snoring is a symptom of a larger problem, snoring can also rob your child of the sleep they need, which is critical when they’re young. If your child’s snoring is disrupting their sleep, you may notice:

• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Irritability
• Daytime jumpiness (which could mean they’re overtired)
• Poor performance in school
• Bedwetting

It’s important that you note these changes in your child’s behavior as they provide us with valuable clues.

Finding a solution to your child’s snoring

If you’re concerned about your child’s snoring and/or unexplained changes in their behavior, we urge you to come see us so that we can evaluate the problem. To do this, we review your child’s symptoms, their medical history, and any other information you think may be relevant. We  also perform an extensive physical examination to check for obvious culprits, such as a deviated septum or enlarged tonsils or adenoids.

Once we determine the likely cause of your child's snoring, we design an appropriate treatment plan that allows everyone in the family to get a good night’s sleep.

To get to the bottom of your child’s snoring, please contact one of our two locations in Fountain Hills or Scottsdale, Arizona, to set up an appointment or request one online.