When Snoring Isn't So Cute -- Children and Sleep Apnea 

by Keith D. Forwith, PhD, MD 

It’s often cute when children try to imitate their parents. However, when it comes to snoring, it is no laughing matter and is abnormal in children. In reality, children are not smaller versions of adults and snoring usually indicates a more serious underlying problem, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). As we drift into the deeper stages of sleep, our muscles progressively relax allowing our tonsils to shift inward. In children with enlarged tonsils, this shift frequently blocks the breathing passageway leading to sleep arousal, a lighter stage of sleep, and higher level of consciousness. As a result, children experience a poor night’s sleep causing exhaustion the next day regardless of the amount of sleep time. 

Recent studies have shown that children’s school performance suffers significantly as a result of poor sleep patterns and interruptions of quality sleep. Attention Deficit Disorder, and behavioral and disciplinary problems, are more evident in children with OSA. Even your better student will suffer without a good night’s rest.

What is the solution? First, an accurate sleep history is essential. Children who snore should be evaluated by an ear, nose and throat specialist, especially if they have enlarged tonsils. If OSA is diagnosed, removal of the tonsils and adenoids is recommended as the first line of treatment. Recently, the introduction of a new procedure, “Powered Intracapsular Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy” (PITA) has decreased the severity of the traditional T&A procedure. Therefore, patients make a quicker recovery returning to their normal diet and activities. Whether a PITA or the traditional T&A technique is performed, children are happier and healthier once their sleep apnea has been cured.