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What Causes Snoring in Preschool Aged Children?

The National Sleep Foundation, or NSF, estimates that 10 percent of children snore most nights. Although occasional snoring is normal, regular snoring can indicate a health issue. Some common causes of children's snoring include allergies, upper respiratory infections, enlarged tonsils and adenoids, and sleep apnea. These conditions are all treatable and vary in severity. If your child snores regularly, your doctor can diagnose the cause and offer treatment options.

  1. Allergies

    • Allergies are the body's reaction to foreign irritants, such as pollen, mold or pet dander, which might result in nasal congestion. Allergy-related nasal congestion is often worse at night, which can contribute to snoring. Several prescription and non-prescription treatments are available for allergies, including antihistamines and decongestants, sinus rinsing, and immunotherapy or allergy shots. Left untreated, allergies can increase a child's risk for ear infections.

    Upper Respiratory Infections

    • Upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold or bronchitis, can lead to snoring in children because of congestion and airway restriction. Depending on the type of infection, your child's doctor might recommend antibiotics, corticosteroids to relieve airway inflammation, or medications such as a decongestant or antihistamine to relieve congestion.

    Enlarged Tonsils and Adenoids

    • The tonsils and adenoids, pads of tissue in the back of the throat, work with the immune system to prevent infection. They can become enlarged in response to a common cold or other infection. Enlargement might also indicate obstructive sleep apnea. Surgical removal might be necessary if enlarged tonsils and adenoids do not resolve on their own.

    Sleep Apnea

    • In pediatric sleep apnea, the airway narrows during sleep, resulting in frequent breaks in sleep, according to Mayo Clinic.com. Pediatric sleep apnea or obstructive sleep apnea might be caused by enlarged tonsils or adenoids, or by problems with the child's facial structure. A sleep study is necessary to diagnose sleep apnea.

      Treatment for obstructive sleep apnea varies by its cause. Surgery might be necessary to remove enlarged tonsils and adenoids or correct facial anomalies. A child can also be treated with a continued positive airway pressure, or CPAP, machine, which keeps the airway open during sleep.

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