By Raising Children Network
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  • Up to 15% of children snore in their sleep.
  • Only 1-5% of children have obstructive sleep apnoea.

 
Lots of children snore in their sleep. Snoring can have several causes, many of which you don’t need to worry about. But if you’re concerned about your child’s snoring, it’s a good idea to see your GP.

Causes of snoring in children

Your child might snore – or snore more loudly – if he has a cold or a blocked nose. This is because colds can narrow your child’s airways. If your child has large tonsils, he might also be prone to snoring.

If your child’s snoring goes on for a long time, especially if she also breathes through her mouth or seems to gasp, choke or struggle for breath, it might be a sign of obstructive sleep apnoea. Obstructive sleep apnoea is less common than snoring.

Symptoms of snoring

Aside from the snoring sound, you can look out for mouth breathing and any signs of your child gasping or struggling for breath.

When to see a doctor about snoring in children

You should take your child to the GP if his snoring has been going on for a long time, or if you’re worried about your child’s snoring.

Tests for snoring

Your GP will look in your child’s throat to check out her tonsils. The GP might send your child to an ear, nose and throat specialist if there’s a chance that your child’s adenoids and tonsils are causing the snoring, or if the GP thinks that obstructive sleep apnoea might be the problem.

The GP might recommend that your child uses an ‘oximeter’. This tool measures your child’s oxygen levels during the night to find out whether there are any times when he stops breathing.

Treatment for snoring

Snoring that isn’t related to sleep apnoea and other conditions is usually more of a nuisance than a danger.

Encouraging your child to sleep on her side, rather than her back, might help with this kind of snoring.

If your child’s snoring is linked to obstructive sleep apnoea caused by enlarged adenoids and/or tonsils, your doctor might refer you to a surgeon or ear, nose and throat specialist for advice about having the adenoids and tonsils surgically removed.

 
 
 
 
  • Last updated or reviewed 07-10-2015