Snoring In children: When Should You Be Concerned?
Wellness
min. lectura
While nearly half of adults snore, loud snoring is not common in children and can be concerning, especially when snoring gets in the way of a good night's sleep. Learn about snoring in children and babies and when to see a doctor.
Snoring in children
While occasional snoring in children is often harmless, persistent or loud snoring may signal an underlying health issue, such as sleep apnea, enlarged tonsils or other sleep-related disorders. Understanding the causes of snoring in children and when to seek medical attention is essential for your child’s health and well-being. In this article, we’ll explore the common reasons behind snoring in kids, signs to watch out for and steps parents can take to ensure children get restful, healthy sleep. Keep reading to learn when snoring may be a concern and how Texas Children’s can help.
What does it mean for children, toddlers or babies to snore?
Snoring is the hoarse sound that occurs when breathing is partially obstructed during sleep, a noise caused by the vibration of the uvula and soft palate in the back of the throat. The loudness is determined by how much air is passing through, the vibration of the throat tissue and the extent of the tissue’s relaxation during sleep.
- Children 3 years or older tend to snore during the deeper stages of sleep. Mild snoring is common in children and may not require medical help.
Causes of snoring in babies and children - Why does my child snore?
When your child sleeps, their body rests and restores its energy levels — impacting both physical and mental well-being. Loud snoring becomes a medical concern when it is associated with abnormal breathing and interrupts sleep. It’s good for parents to know the causes of snoring in children and what is normal so they can seek medical attention for underlying health issues when necessary.
Snoring may be caused by:
- Sleep position
- Common colds
- Seasonal allergies
- Enlargement of tonsils and adenoids
- Deviation of the septum
- Narrowing of the larynx
- Obesity and other diseases
Can babies and newborns snore?
Yes, newborns can snore. In most cases, newborn snoring is harmless and resolves as babies grow and their airways mature — or as nasal congestion from colds, allergies or milk reflux clears up. If snoring is persistent, loud or accompanied by serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or bluish skin, it is important to consult a doctor to rule out underlying medical conditions.
Why do toddlers or babies start snoring all of a sudden?
Sudden snoring may be caused by common colds or seasonal allergies. In most cases, it will clear up on its own.
Snoring in children, toddlers or babies – what’s normal?
- Approximately 10% of children snore regularly
- 25-40% of children have sleep-disordered breathing (SDB)
- 2-4% of children experience obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) – which is when a person stops breathing for 10 or more seconds during sleep
Light snoring is common in children and typically doesn’t require medical intervention. It may relate to a child’s sleeping position — children are more likely to snore when lying on their backs — and congestion or seasonal allergies.
Child snoring home remedies
To address mild snoring in children, you can help them get some relief with these home remedies:
- Roll your child onto their side to sleep
- Place a humidifier in your child’s bedroom
- Regularly clean the room, wash the bedding and consider using an air purifier to remove dust and allergens that can irritate the airways
- Avoid exposure to allergens
- Steam inhalation and/or saline nasal sprays to help clear nasal congestion, which can contribute to snoring
Pediatric sleep-disordered breathing
Pediatric sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a general term for breathing difficulties during sleep. SBD can range from frequent loud snoring that disrupts sleep to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). When a child’s breathing is blocked during sleep, the heart rate increases and blood pressure rises, disrupting normal sleep patterns. Oxygen levels in the blood can sometimes drop.
Child snoring and pediatric sleep-disordered breathing symptoms
Loud snoring becomes a medical concern when it is associated with abnormal breathing and interrupts sleep. If your child is not getting enough sleep because of sleep-disordered breathing (SBD), this may lead to:
- Hyperactivity or feeling tired during the day
- Behavioral problems
- Learning difficulties/poor school performance
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
Children with SDB tend to snore and exhibit repeated episodes of under-breathing (hypopnea) and/or complete pauses in breathing (apnea) during sleep. Parents may witness gasping or snorting, restless sleep, frequent nighttime awakenings, teeth grinding, bed wetting or unusual sleep positions. If you notice these symptoms, be sure to seek treatment to prevent additional issues.
Snoring in Children and Babies – when to take your child to a doctor?
If you are concerned your child or baby is not sleeping well, follow up with your pediatrician to see if a sleep study or ENT referral is needed. Your pediatrician may refer your child to an Otolaryngologist (ENT doctor). Otolaryngologists, or ENT specialists, play a key role in diagnosing and treating the underlying causes of snoring in children. The ENT specialist will examine your child for snoring and will evaluate the structures of your child’s airway for abnormalities, like enlarged tonsils or adenoids.
Depending on the severity of the snoring and anatomy findings, your child may need a sleep study to check for sleep apnea. A sleep study will determine the degree of obstruction. If the study shows OSA and enlarged tonsils or adenoids, your doctor may suggest removing them. This surgical procedure typically improves sleep obstruction.
Nonsurgical intervention with positive pressure ventilation is also a treatment option for OSA. Obesity is a risk factor for sleep obstruction and so weight loss, in addition to other therapies, can help improve sleep in overweight or obese children.
Outdoor and indoor allergies can also cause nasal congestion and mouth breathing, which can impact sleep in children. Make sure your child receives proper medication for allergies and sees an allergist if needed.
Snoring in Children - Overall prognosis and outcomes
Once your child receives appropriate treatment, their behavior, performance and development will improve.
- About 20% of children may continue to have sleep concerns after surgery and a sleep study is recommended in such cases.
Schedule an Otolaryngology appointment online
Learn more about the Otolaryngology Division at Texas Children’s Hospital. Schedule an appointment online or call 832-822-2778.
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