While snoring is more prevalent among adults, it is not completely uncommon among the younger generation. Children and teenagers may also sometimes snore. Whether it’s something to worry about will depend on the underlying causes.
To start with, snoring in children can be harmless and normal when it accompanies a cold, allergies or a virus. While cases like this should not get you rattled, you should be worried if the condition persists or the child in question is experiencing difficulty with sleeping or is snorting or gasping for air during sleep versus just snoring.
Sleep Disorders and Snoring in Children
According to statistics, 20 percent of children snore, and it is more common in children between the ages of 2 and 6. The major problem is that as much as 10 percent of these children who snore are suffering from some kind of sleep apnea. This sleep disorder causes occasional pauses in their sleep during the night. And as it turns out, this is not something to take lightly.
The time between ages 2 and 6 is characterized by enlarged adenoids and tonsils, which explains the prevalence of sleep apnea and snoring during this time. When snoring in children is caused by sleep disorders, the affected child may also experience other symptoms along with loud snoring. They may feel restless while sleeping, sleep in awkward or abnormal positions, talk in their sleep or even sleepwalk.
Sleep is essential to the growth and development of children, so it’s imperative to have this issue addressed as soon as possible.
Treatment for Snoring in Kids
Along with the basic symptoms, you may notice that children who snore start bedwetting again months after growing out of it. Although bedwetting and snoring may not seem connected, they can be. These children will feel fatigued and irritable during the day as well. Being moody, having headaches, and falling asleep during school or at odd times during the day can also be common.
The first step is to visit a medical professional for diagnosis of the root cause. Here at Balance Epigenetic Orthodontics, we’d recommend certain lifestyle changes as well as using Myobrace, an advanced appliance system of airway-centric orthodontics for children, if the problem is caused by sleep disorders.
We would love for you to visit us! Schedule an appointment to help you discover your plan of action. You can contact Dr. Buck and the Balance Epigenetic Orthodontics team at 425-409-2291. We’ll be more than happy to help restore your child to perfect health.
