Parents Shouldn't Ignore Children Who Snore

For many children, snoring can be more than a noisy nuisance.

"Unfortunately, we don't have as good of an idea about snoring in children as we do in adults," says Dr. Max Hirshkowitz, associate director of the Sleep Disorders Center at Baylor College of Medicine. "We do know, however, that it can run the range from being relatively minor to being a symptom of sleep apnea."

Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious, life-threatening condition that can trigger various abnormalities or developmental delay. It occurs when enlarged adenoid glands or tonsils block the upper airway passages during sleep, making it difficult for the child to breathe.

Not every child who snores, however, is showing signs of sleep apnea.

In general, snoring occurs when the floppy tissue in the airway relaxes and begins to vibrate. Many times the noise is caused by an enlarged soft palate and uvula, the lobe hanging from the back of the roof of the mouth.

"Anything that limits the size of the airway, such as breathing through the mouth, sedating medications or chronic inflammation of the nose can increase snoring," Dr. Hirshkowitz says.

He does warn, however, that even "simple" snoring carries some risks. The constant vibration can beat down throat tissue, leading to infection. The multiple sleep disturbances can also keep a child from achieving a truly restful state.

"At school, these children will often wiggle around in their seats or doodle, all very subtle signs of sleepiness," Dr. Hirshkowitz says. "They become wound up, are unable to control their fidgeting and eventually stop paying attention."

Snoring can affect more than a child's ability to make the grade at school. Many also suffer from weight problems, morning headaches and frequent bed wetting.

Although parents might try to tune out their child's earsplitting habit, Dr. Hirshkowitz recommends getting a professional evaluation as soon as possible.

- From Baylor College of Medicine

---

©2006 Texas Medical Center

---

E-Mail: tmcinfo@texmedctr.tmc.edu
URL: http://www.tmc.edu/tmcnews/04_15_00-snore.html