Frequent snoring in a child should not simply be accepted as a habit, but not all snoring is sleep apnoea. Breathing pauses, laboured breathing or daytime effects warrant assessment.
Allergy, enlarged adenoids or tonsils and weight are considered. REM sleep is not the same stage as deep NREM sleep; this distinction should not be used to oversimplify snoring. Sleep testing is selected when needed. Options include observation, treating nasal disease, selected surgery and sometimes CPAP. Apnoea may persist after surgery, so follow-up matters.
Snoring alone does not establish the diagnosis. Sleep testing is selected by age and risk; some adult tests can be performed at home. Weight management, CPAP, suitable oral appliances and selected surgery are considered individually.
If daytime sleepiness affects safe driving, do not drive and inform your clinician. Blue colouring or serious breathing difficulty in a child requires emergency care.
This information does not replace an individual consultation. Diagnosis and treatment depend on a medical assessment.
Consultation and treatment