Why do children snore and how to stop it

Snoring among children is as common as snoring among adults. This subject requires an immediate attention not only from the parents but the entire medical profession. This post will shed some light on the known causes of childhood snoring and a few remedies.  

Snoring in children is not unheard of, but it is least focused on. Most parents brush aside the perception of their toddler snoring as loud as an adult but it does happen more common than you might think! The cause of snoring is the same for all people, blockage in the air passage or narrowed windpipe, deviated nasal septum, or some other reason, but it is alarming nonetheless. Among children, lack of sufficient sleep during the night has adverse effects in the morning after.

Not only do they feel exhausted to get out of bed and begin a whole new day, they fall asleep at school, fail to concentrate in the classes, and perform badly at studies and at sports. This goes on to cultivate a sedentary and unacceptable life for a child. So, to avoid all of this, as a parent you need to be informed of the causes and the right snoring solution for your child (or children).

Why do children snore?

Snoring is a form of sleep apnea that lets breathing pause during sleep. Such a pause has been observed to last from a few seconds and up to one minute among children. Some causes are listed as under:

1. Apnea-related: When air passages are blocked, snoring may occur quite frequently.

The blockage of air passage can itself be the outcome of a number of factors like childhood obesity (bad dietary habits), facial or pharyngeal abnormalities (birth defects), elongated palates, tongues or pushed-in jaws, etc. Other causes include enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which arises due to infection and causes difficulty in breathing.

2. Stress and fatigue: Most children feel tired not because they have had excess physical activity but due to the lack thereof. Children who spend most of their day around digital gadgets like tablets or smartphones tend to be more stressed out and are likely to snore more than others in the same age group. This emerging trend is highly discriminated by pediatric professionals.

If your child is suffering from snoring, consider these sleep apnea remedies:

Tongue and lip tie release: Snoring has a lot to do with the proper placement of tongue. This oral restriction can trigger snoring among any child. But with tongue and lip ties, this can be easily avoided and facilitate easy breathing.

Tonsillectomy & Adenoidectomy: Most children experience swollen adenoids and tonsils. Though a surgical procedure can remove tonsils, it is not the most effective option to treat pediatric OSA. Consult with your physician to assess the options if your child indeed has tonsils or adenoids infection.

CPAP machine & chin strap: This therapy is recommended for snorers of all age groups. It helps to supply oxygen directly through the nostrils while maintaining a continuous air pressure. Bear in mind, this may only be required when everything else fails.

Anti-snoring Spray: A well-known remedy for snoring available in the market is a nasal spray. This helps to unclog the windpipe and allow an easy airflow