Snoring Is Back-to-School Too: Why Kids and Adults May Snore More in the Fall

September means back-to-school schedules, earlier mornings, and busier routines. But for some families, it also means something else is back: snoring.

If snoring suddenly becomes louder or more frequent in the fall, nasal congestion and seasonal allergies may be part of the reason. When the nose is blocked, breathing through the nose becomes more difficult, which can contribute to mouth breathing and noisy breathing during sleep.

While occasional snoring isn't necessarily a cause for concern, persistent or worsening snoring can sometimes point to an underlying airway or sleep-related problem.

Why Can Allergies Make Snoring Worse?

Fall allergies can cause inflammation and swelling inside the nasal passages. Common symptoms of allergic rhinitis include nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and postnasal drip.

When congestion makes it harder to breathe comfortably through the nose, a person may begin breathing through their mouth while asleep. This can contribute to snoring.

For children, fall allergies may be especially disruptive because congestion can affect sleep just as school schedules become more demanding.

Other Reasons You May Be Snoring

Allergies aren't the only potential cause. Snoring can also be associated with nasal obstruction, structural issues inside the nose, enlarged tissues, or problems affecting the upper airway.

Lifestyle factors can also influence snoring. Sleeping position, alcohol consumption, sleep deprivation, and changes in weight may affect how easily air moves through the airway during sleep.

Because there are many potential causes, persistent snoring shouldn't automatically be blamed on allergies.

When Is Snoring a Problem?

Occasional snoring may simply be an annoyance. However, regular or loud snoring deserves more attention—especially when it occurs along with other symptoms.

Talk to an ENT or sleep specialist if snoring is accompanied by:

• Pauses in breathing during sleep
• Gasping or choking at night
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Morning headaches
• Difficulty concentrating
• Restless or poor-quality sleep
• Persistent nighttime mouth breathing

These symptoms can sometimes be associated with obstructive sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing repeatedly becomes restricted during sleep.

What About Children Who Snore?

Children can snore for many of the same reasons as adults, including nasal congestion and allergies. However, ongoing snoring shouldn't simply be considered a normal part of childhood.

If a child snores regularly, breathes through their mouth at night, sleeps restlessly, or seems unusually tired during the day, discussing the symptoms with a healthcare professional may be appropriate.

Identifying the underlying cause can help determine whether treatment is needed.

Treating the Cause, Not Just the Snoring

The best approach to snoring depends on what's causing it. For someone whose snoring is related to seasonal nasal congestion, addressing allergies may help. For others, an underlying nasal obstruction or airway issue may require a different approach.

Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C. evaluates and treats conditions including nasal congestion, allergic rhinitis, nasal obstruction, snoring, and sleep apnea. Treatment plans are individualized based on each patient's symptoms and needs.

Don't Let Snoring Disrupt Your Fall

If snoring shows up every September, seasonal allergies and congestion may be contributing—but they aren't necessarily the whole story. Persistent snoring, especially when accompanied by breathing pauses, gasping, or daytime fatigue, deserves professional evaluation.

If you or your child is experiencing persistent snoring, nasal congestion, allergies, or other sleep-related breathing concerns, Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C. can evaluate the underlying cause and discuss appropriate treatment options. The office is located at 5555 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Suite 125, Atlanta, GA 30342. Call 404-891-6576 to schedule an appointment or learn more about ENT, sinus, allergy, and sleep care.

Author

Ramie A. Tritt, MD Ramie A. Tritt, MD, FRCSC, specializes in nasal and sinus surgery as well as snoring and sleep apnea surgery at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C.’s Sandy Springs location in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Tritt graduated from medical school with honors from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He completed his otolaryngology residency at McGill University and his fellowship in otology and head and neck surgery at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology and a fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Tritt is a member of the Medical Association of Georgia and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Tritt has been an instructor at national ENT meetings, a Medical Advisory Board member for computer image-guided sinus surgery, and been recognized by Atlanta Magazine as a “Doctor Who Doctors Go To”.