Physicians have advised parents not to dismiss persistent snoring in children as harmless, stressing that it could be a sign of serious underlying health problems.
While some cases of childhood snoring may be physiological and resolve with age, the specialists explained that recurrent or loud snoring often points to airway obstruction, enlarged adenoids or tonsils, allergies, or even life-threatening sleep disorders.
According to ear, nose, and throat surgeons, ignoring these symptoms can lead to poor growth, learning difficulties, heart complications, and, in extreme cases, death.
They urged parents to seek medical evaluation for any child who snores excessively or shows other red-flag symptoms at night.
A Consultant ENT Surgeon at the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, Benue State, Prof. Adoga Samuel, explained that the most common cause of snoring in children is enlarged adenoids.
According to him, when a child is awake, there is tension in the neck muscles, which allows more space at the back of the throat.
“But during sleep, the tension is gone, the airway collapses, and vibration produces noise—that is, snoring,” he said.
Samuel noted that while some children may outgrow the condition, others continue to experience recurrent obstruction.
He, however, warned that obstructive sleep apnea is a serious form of snoring-related illness that should never be ignored.
“In such cases, when the child sleeps, the airway collapses, oxygen levels drop, carbon dioxide builds up, and the person struggles for air. This cycle repeats many times during sleep and can cause headaches, poor concentration, and even strain on the heart,” the ENT surgeon said.
The professor added that prolonged obstruction could lead to enlargement of the right side of the heart, pulmonary hypertension, and eventual heart failure if not addressed.
He also identified allergies, viruses, and bacterial infections as common environmental triggers that inflame the adenoids and block the airway.
Highlighting red flags, Samuel said persistent snoring between the ages of two and six should never be ignored.
The don said, “The most common underlying causes are enlargement of the adenoids and tonsils. But we must not overlook other possibilities such as tumours. Rhabdomyosarcoma or lymphoma can also present with airway obstruction and snoring.”
He advised parents to seek medical help immediately if a child breathes mainly through the mouth, snores excessively, or has other unusual symptoms like frequent bedwetting at night.
Also speaking, the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, University of Abuja, Prof. Titus Ibekwe, noted that snoring in children could either be physiological or pathological.
“Sometimes it is not disease-related, while in other circumstances, it may be linked to an underlying medical condition,” he told our correspondent.
Ibekwe pointed out that adenoid hypertrophy is one of the most common causes of snoring in children.
“Every child is born with adenoid tissue, which protects the airway from infection. As the child grows, it shrinks and disappears, but in some children, it continues to grow and becomes enlarged, narrowing the airway and causing persistent snoring,” he said.
The ENT surgeon also highlighted the role of allergies, foreign bodies, and congenital conditions such as Down syndrome or cerebral palsy in causing snoring.
“Sometimes, children insert objects into their noses, which may get inhaled into the airway without the parents noticing. Other causes include respiratory papillomatosis, laryngeal cysts, or enlarged tonsils,” Ibekwe said.
He listed dangerous red-flag symptoms to include persistent daily snoring and episodes of sleep apnea.
“When a child snores recurrently, the first red flag is when the snoring becomes an everyday occurrence. Secondly, signs of sleep apnea must never be ignored. In such cases, the child snores, struggles in sleep, sometimes kicks their legs, and suddenly becomes quiet—as if passed out—for some seconds before resuming breathing. Some may even suddenly jump out of sleep, as if they had a nightmare.
“Once you begin to see such episodes, it is a huge red flag. It means the child is having sleep apnea, which can affect the heart, lungs, and overall system. Occasional snoring once in a while may not be worrisome, but persistent patterns must not be ignored,” the professor of Otorhinolaryngology said.
Ibekwe warned that untreated sleep apnea could lead to heart failure, brain damage, and poor intellectual development.
“The major consequence is sleep apnea. If untreated, it can lead to heart failure, brain damage, and poor mental development. The child may not achieve his or her full academic or intellectual potential.
“Another consequence is daytime sleepiness and dullness, because only a good night’s rest guarantees good performance during the day.
“If a foreign body is the cause and it is not identified early, it may migrate further down into the lower airway. If it reaches the larynx, it can completely obstruct the airway and choke the child. This can lead to death if not urgently treated,” he said.
On prevention, Ibekwe urged parents to observe their children closely during sleep, even if they use separate rooms.
“Once snoring is persistent and recurrent, the child must be taken to the hospital to see an ENT specialist,” he advised.
The provost stressed that investigations such as blood tests, radiology, and endoscopy may be required to determine the exact cause before treatment.
He noted that while occasional snoring in children may not be alarming, persistent or recurrent cases should always be investigated.
The don advised that early intervention could prevent serious complications and improve the child’s growth, learning, and overall well-being.
(Punch Healthwise)
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