Sleep is vital for the development of children and the development of their mental abilities, so any kind of sleep disorder can cause problems for the child's development. Snoring is a common problem, especially in the elderly, but it can also affect children. Many parents feel worried when they hear their child snoring, what are the reasons, but is it dangerous for children to snore? What are the causes of snoring in children? Knowing more about the causes, consequences and treatment of snoring in children can allow parents to help them sleep better. For this reason, stay with us until the end of this article.

Snoring in children Snoring is relatively common in adults, but sometimes it can occur in children as well. Snoring in children often occurs in a short period of time and resolves on its own. But sometimes it can disturb the child's sleep for a long time. Normally, the child's breathing path should be open, so that when the child breathes, this air flow does not produce a sound. If inhaling and exhaling are accompanied by sound production, it means that the path from the child's nose to the larynx is blocked or narrowed at one point. In fact, snoring is a sign that can cause serious problems for the child. ### Is snoring common in babies and children? It is difficult to determine exact statistics for the prevalence of snoring and sleep apnea. Parents may not always notice their children's snoring or its frequency and severity. Some studies have shown the following: Occasional mild snoring affects up to 27% of children. This type of snoring is temporary, mild, and usually does not cause health concerns. Primary snoring, which is not accompanied by other symptoms, affects between 10 and 12 percent of children. - Obstructive sleep apnea affects 1.2 to 5.7% of children. Is baby snoring dangerous? Snoring occurs for various reasons, some of which are temporary and some are long-term. Most of the time, snoring in children is not dangerous and does not matter much, especially if it occurs non-consecutively. But if snoring is frequent or severe, it may indicate a problem with breathing during sleep. Snoring varies greatly from child to child, in terms of frequency and intensity of impact. Almost any child or adult may experience an occasional episode of snoring. Most of the time, this snoring is mild and short-lived and does not significantly affect it. A person's sleep or general health. When snoring becomes frequent and disturbs the child's sleep, this indicates a sleep apnea disorder. It should be noted that there is a primary snoring known as simple snoring or normal snoring. This condition occurs when a child snores more than twice a week and does not suffer from other significant symptoms or related health problems. But long-term snoring with symptoms can indicate a child's obstructive sleep apnea. Because sleep apnea causes significant sleep disturbances, it affects the amount of oxygen a child receives during sleep. As a result, it affects brain development, metabolic processes, reduced academic performance, behavioral problems, and cardiovascular problems such as blood pressure. Obstructive sleep apnea can seriously affect a child's quality of life. The effects of obstructive sleep apnea have mostly been studied in older children, but researchers believe it can also occur in children as young as 2 to 3 years old. Causes of snoring in children Unlike adults, snoring in children occurs in children who are not overweight, and obesity is not a common cause of snoring in children. Several factors can lead to airway obstruction and snoring. The most common risk factors for snoring in children are: - **Third tonsil and enlargement or swelling of tonsils:** Tonsils and third tonsil are located near the back of the throat and are part of the body's immune system. If the tonsils in older babies or become swollen due to infection, the tonsils can block the airway and cause snoring. Enlarged or swollen tonsils and tonsils are the most common cause of breathing problems during sleep in children. - **Congestion:** Children's cold symptoms can cause congestion and prevent air flow. Also, a viral infection may lead to tonsillitis. - **Allergy:** Allergy attacks can cause inflammation in the nose and throat and make breathing more difficult and increase the risk of snoring. - **Asthma:** This disease, like allergies, may inhibit normal breathing and if it causes a partial obstruction of the airway, it may lead to snoring. - **Passive smoking:** Exposure of the child to cigarette smoke and all types of tobacco can negatively affect the child's breathing and sleep. - **Air pollution:** Poor air quality or excessive pollutants can challenge normal breathing and increase the possibility of frequent snoring of the child. Symptoms associated with snoring in children Parents who are concerned about their child's snoring are advised to speak with their pediatrician. Although snoring can be normal, several symptoms can indicate the possibility of sleep apnea: - Snoring three nights a week or more - Shortness of breath or trouble sleeping Other problems that occur in children with snoring and cause concern for parents: - Bluish skin - Morning headache - Drowsiness during the day - Difficulty concentrating or learning - Diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - Below average weight gain These factors indicate obstructive sleep apnea in children, and not all children who snore and have these health problems necessarily have breathing problems. ### When is it necessary to see a pediatrician to treat a child's snoring? Children may suffer from snoring in any period of their life, if the snoring occurs only in a few minutes or a few hours, it can be caused by the child's bad posture while sleeping, which can be resolved by changing the position of the snoring child. If the child has a cold, viral infections, or any other disease that causes nasal congestion, the child may snore temporarily for a few days or a week, the child may snore while sleeping, and if the cause is removed, the child's snoring will also be removed. In cases where snoring lasts for a long time and continues, it is necessary to be checked by a pediatrician with experience in this field. Complications of snoring in children If the child's respiratory tract is so narrow that it affects the process of blood oxygenation, serious complications will occur on all organs of the body. The brain is one of the important organs of the body that is affected by the reduction of oxygen. On the other hand, it secretes less growth hormone and disrupts the child's growth to some extent. As mentioned, the lack of oxygen in the brain can disrupt the child's learning and disturb the child's concentration. Also, a child who does not sleep properly will definitely become aggressive and hyperactive symptoms will appear in them. Treatment of snoring in children Frequent and mild snoring usually resolves quickly on its own, and regular snoring can resolve on its own without treatment in many children. But in many cases, it is important for the child's health to take measures to prevent problematic breathing during sleep, such as: - See a doctor: Talk about how long the snoring lasts, how often it occurs, and whether it is associated with the other problems listed above. The doctor is eager to know all the signs and symptoms to diagnose the child or reassure the parents. - Tonsil surgery: Most children with obstructive sleep apnea, as well as children with primary snoring and frequent infections, undergo this surgery. - Positive airway pressure is one of the respiratory treatment methods that is based on providing air flow through the nose and lungs without the need for surgical intervention. - Establishing fixed sleeping hours for children and creating a comfortable and peaceful environment for them to sleep. **last word** Snoring in children or infants occurs when the airway becomes partially blocked, especially during sleep. When air flows into the tissues of the throat without contracting, it causes the tissues to vibrate and produce this annoying sound or snoring. Generally, enlarged tonsils and third tonsils are the most common causes of snoring in children. The treatment of snoring in children depends on underlying factors. The most common cause of snoring in children are problems related to the tonsils, which often lead to surgery. In the end, it is recommended to consult the best pediatrician in North Tehran if snoring and breathing problems persist.