Hearing people snoring or snoring while sleeping is common. However, if you hear your toddler snoring, Mums will definitely feel anxious. What are the reasons why children sleep snoring?
Snoring is a noisy sound caused by vibrations in the uvula and soft palate at the back of the throat. The loudness of a sound is determined by the amount of air passing through it, the vibration of the throat tissues, and the relaxation of these tissues during sleep.
Although many adults snore, snoring is not common in children and can be a cause for concern, especially if snoring interferes with a good night’s sleep. This time, we will find out more about why children snore in bed and what to do.
Causes of Snoring in Sleeping Children
Explained Sleep Foundation, mild and occasional slitting is believed to occur in 27% of children. This type of snoring usually does not cause health problems. Of the children diagnosed with sleep-disordered breathing, around 70 percent are diagnosed with primary snoring.
Snoring occurs when air cannot flow freely through the airway at the back of the throat. When you inhale or exhale, the tissue around the airway vibrates, causing a noise.
In children, the most common risk factors for snoring include:
- Swollen tonsils and adenoids: If the tonsils and adenoids are enlarged or swollen due to infection, this can block the airway and cause snoring. This is the most common cause of sleep-disordered breathing in children.
- Obesity: Obesity can narrow the airways and increase the risk of obstructive sleep apnea.
- Stuffy nose: A cold and stuffy nose can cause congestion that restricts air flow.
- Allergies: Allergies can cause inflammation of the nose and throat which makes it more difficult for a child to breathe and increases the risk of snoring.
- Asthma: Just like allergies, asthma can hinder normal breathing and trigger snoring.
- Anatomy: Some people have anatomy that makes it more difficult for them to breathe normally while sleeping. For example, a deviated septum can cause a child to breathe through the mouth and snore.
- Tobacco exposure: Being a secondhand smoker can also affect breathing and increase snoring in children.
- Contaminated air: Low air quality or excessive contaminants can interfere with normal breathing and increase a child’s risk of frequent snoring.
- Shorter duration of breastfeeding: The reason is not clear, but it is believed breast milk helps the upper airway develop thereby reducing the chance of snoring.
Overcoming Snoring Sleeping Children
Unrelated snoring sleep apnea usually does not harm the child. Encouraging children to sleep on their side, not their back, may help overcome their snoring habit.
If snoring is caused by a blocked nose, the doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid nasal spray. If your child is overweight, your doctor may recommend light exercise and a weight loss program.
For children with seasonal allergies, medications such as antihistamines and decongestants may be helpful. If snoring is related to obstructive sleep apnea triggered by enlarged adenoids, tonsils, or nasal obstruction, your doctor may refer you to an ENT specialist or surgeon.
When to See a Pediatric Specialist
If your child frequently snores loudly, with associated symptoms, such as mouth breathing, apnea, restlessness, panting, difficulty waking up in the morning, and daytime fatigue, they may need to undergo specialist evaluation. If a child doesn’t get the sleep they need, this can affect their behavior, focus and attention during the day.
So, if your child snores softly every now and then, Mums can ignore it and don’t need to worry. However, if your child often snores loudly and is accompanied by other symptoms, it is a good idea to immediately take him to a pediatrician.
Source:
Luriechildren.org. Snoring-in-children-toddlers-when-to-worry
Sleepfoundation.org. Snoring-children
Verywellfamily.com. When-to-worry-about-your-child-s-snoring
2024-01-02 03:04:28
#Snoring #Sleeping #Children #Mums
