Nothing is more adorable than a child sleeping peacefully, however if your child snores, no matter how cute it may be, it could be the beginnings of something serious. While the majority of infants, toddlers and children that snore experience harmless snoring; about two percent of these little ones may be at risk for life-threatening health problems.
If your child snores occasionally, but generally sleeps soundlessly, chances are you have nothing to worry about. Likewise, if your child has a cold, snoring is likely to occur due to nasal blockage. However, if your child snores on a regular basis, without the presence of a cold, a visit to Atlanta ENT is the first step in discovering the cause and developing a treatment plan.
Enlarged tonsils or adenoids, allergies and obesity can cause snoring. It can also be a sign of a more serious problem known as obstructive sleep apnea. Children who have sleep apnea may stop breathing for a few seconds, gasp for air, or wake often. They also tend to have attention problems, behavioral issues and excessive daytime sleepiness.
Atlanta ENT will evaluate your child’s ears, nose and throat to rule out possible causes that are not related to sleep apnea. If needed, a sleep study will be done to properly diagnose the cause of your child’s snoring. Early intervention is the best way to prevent long-term complications caused by snoring and sleep apnea.
Ramie A. Tritt, MD, President of Atlanta ENT
