FAQ Help! My Child Is Snoring And I Don’t Know What To Do!

Although it might cause some embarrassment at sleepovers (especially for young girls), snoring is one of the most common ear nose and throat problems in children and adolescents. So if you’ve noticed that your son or daughter has been snoring at night, there’s no reason to panic. So just how common is snoring?

About 12% of all kids will snore during their childhood, and 10% will snore very regularly. If your kid is feeling embarrassed by their nighttime snoring, it’s absolutely crucial that they understand it’s totally normal — no matter how much it might bother their siblings.

So does that mean snoring is nothing to worry about?

On its own? Yes. However, sleep disordered breathing can often be dangerous.

What’s sleep disordered breathing? Is that the same thing as sleep apnea?

Sleep disordered breathing covers a wide range of sleeping problems, and it includes common issues like snoring and less common problems like obstructive sleep apnea. When children experience snoring AND sleep apnea, then you might need to sea a doctor.

How do you know if a child has OSA?

Obstructive sleep apnea involves snoring combined with frequent periods of wakefulness from sleep, or when the airway passages become blocked, causing breathing difficulties. When a child can’t breath, air stops flowing to the brain, which forces the body to wake up. This can cause fatigue during the day, which makes it harder for children to develop normally and perform well in school.

Remember, snoring on its own isn’t cause for alarm. In fact, outside of sinus infections and ear infections, it’s probably the most common ENT problems that pediatric doctors hear on a regular basis. However, if you suspect your child suffers from sleep apnea as well, see a doctor as soon as possible.