Children are not immune to snoring, which often occurs when the airways become narrowed in the upper respiratory tract. Excessive tonsillitis, a deviated nasal septum, or asthma can all contribute to this condition. If your child is experiencing snoring, it is crucial to seek medical attention as further evaluation may be necessary to determine the underlying cause.
Sleep testing tools such as polysomnography and polyspirometry are commonly used to diagnose sleep apnea in both children and adults. These tests involve attaching electrodes to the body while the individual is sleeping to record and evaluate various parameters such as breathing rate, number of awakenings, blood pressure, and blood oxygen saturation. In children, even a single pause in breathing per hour that lasts for more than five seconds can indicate the presence of sleep apnea. Adults with sleep apnea are typically diagnosed if they experience apnea events at a frequency of more than five times per hour with each event lasting longer than ten seconds.
Other conditions such as obesity hypoventilation syndrome and periodic leg movement disorders can also be detected through spirometry testing. The underlying cause of snoring will then determine further tests that may be recommended such as X-rays, computed tomography, respiratory function measurements and phenol measurements in breath to detect conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Treatment will then be tailored to address the specific cause of snoring in your child.
It is important for parents to pay attention to their child’s breathing patterns and seek medical attention if they notice any signs of respiratory distress or difficulty sleeping due to snoring. With proper diagnosis and treatment, children can overcome snoring and improve their overall quality of life.
