Thanks for the D2D. Snoring in children is quite common but in about 10% of children who snore, this may be a sign of underlying airway obstruction leading to problems with sleep-related breathing or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
OSA in children is mostly caused by enlarged tonsils and adenoids but suffering from a blocked nose due to allergy problems may worsen the breathing when asleep. The concern with OSA in children is that it prevents them from getting good quality sleep, which in turn, affects their general wellbeing, as well as their mental, emotional and behavioural development, possibly even impairing their academic performance.
Some of the children we see at our clinic may have subtler signs such as bedwetting at night or hyperactive behavior, while others turn up feeling tired and lethargic during the day or wake up regularly at night as they find it difficult to breathe.
The tonsils and adenoids form part of a specialized ring of lymph gland tissue behind the nose and throat, and may be quite prominent in young children, and even teenagers and young adults. Enlarged tonsil and adenoid tissue may obstruct the airway when the child is asleep, affecting his breathing and resulting in poor sleep quality due to a chronic lack of oxygen.
Some studies suggest that, in children with enlarged adenoids, chronic mouth-breathing over a prolonged period, may result in permanently elongated facial shape and structure, described as “adenoidal face”.
If simple measures such as anti-allergy sprays do not help, then surgical removal of the enlarged tonsils and adenoids may be indicated to clear the airway blockage. Although it is natural for parents to be concerned about the option of surgery in their children, the procedure is generally straightforward and usually cures the problem in approximately 90% of children.
