Sleeping with the mouth open may accompany a temporary cold; persistent symptoms warrant assessment for nasal obstruction, allergy or adenoid enlargement. This sign alone does not diagnose apnoea.
Report snoring, breathing pauses, restless sleep, daytime behaviour changes and growth concerns. A short video can illustrate observations but does not replace a sleep test. Treatment targets the cause; visible tonsil size alone cannot determine surgery. Taping a child's mouth shut or giving adult decongestants is not a safe solution.
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