Snoring - Red Flags

You asked: Why do we consider snoring a red flag in children? Well, here’s why! 

While a lot of us adults snore regularly, snoring in children is not that common and can actually be a sign of breathing troubles during sleep! 

Most of the time, excess tissue in the throat, like large tonsils and adenoids can obstruct air flow through the mouth & nose causing loud snoring. 

But other issues that may cause your child to snore include:

• Sleep apnea

• Asthma

• Allergies

• Sinus or throat infections

• Deviated septum

Serious breathing difficulties during sleep may cause kids to breathe less often or have complete pauses (apnea) during sleep. 

If you notice any of these RED FLAGS that may signal sleep apnea, talk to your pediatrician:

• Snoring most nights of the week

• Frequent snoring throughout the night

• Loud, noisy snoring

• Gasping or snorting during sleep

• Sleeping with an open mouth and chin or neck extended

• Frequent nighttime awakenings

• Daytime sleepiness or hyperactivity

• Bed wetting

Your child may be “tired but wired” meaning they may be overtired and increasingly irritable, aggressive or cranky. Sleep apnea can also lead to difficulty focusing during the day and may present as poor school performance due to learning difficulties. 

Often, teachers are the first ones to raise red flags as they notice changes in behavior or a drop in grades!

When sleep apnea goes untreated, it can have serious health implications, like high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, poor growth, developmental delays, or obesity. 

If you are concerned about your child’s snoring or changes in behavior, don’t hesitate to seek out your pediatrician.

Your PediPals