So, the first thing that you might worry as a parent is, if baby snoring is normal or is it something to worry about! About one in ten babies are prone to this and it is absolutely a normal occurrence. There can be a number of reasons for this, among which one of the most usual one is the immature airways of the newborn that get constricted by mucus and thus produces sound. In most of the cases, there is nothing serious if the little one is snoring. However, if you notice other symptoms while your baby snores, it may be an indication of something serious.
Read More: Home Remedies to Stop Snoring in Kids
To discuss this in detail, the obstruction in the airway of the throat causes the inhaled air to vibrate the throat tissues that further produces sound. A blocked nose, having cold or underdeveloped airways are some of the common reasons for this. Although this gets over with most of the babies as they grow older but in other cases, snoring can also be a symptom of some health condition:
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All You Need to Know ABout Baby Snoring in Sleep
Common reasons for babies snoring
Infected tonsils
Although rare, the baby’s tonsils get enlarged due to infection which leads to snoring. This can also be called as obstructive apnea and it can also lead to breathing problems.
Asthma
It is commonly believed that babies who snore are at a higher risk of suffering from asthma as compared to others. But more study is needed to understand the relationship between snoring and asthma. While in some cases, respiratory allergies can also be one of the reasons leading to this.
Apnea of prematurity
Babies who are born prematurely can have an immature respiratory system that can cause breathing problems. Thus, it can further bring on snoring.
Throat problems
Palate is the separator between the oral and nasal cavity. Irregular movements of it can cause the infant to snore. Also, another reason for snoring in babies is, cysts.
Apnea of infancy
This is referred to as a temporary interruption in breathing while the baby is asleep and is an associated breathing disorder. This is commonly seen in babies who are younger than one year of age.
Is snoring a symptom of any disease?
We have discussed earlier about the causes and possible health conditions that may be linked to snoring in babies, some of which are enlarged tonsils, sleep apnea etc. As far as we talk about diseases and illnesses due to snoring, it can have an impact on your baby’s quality of sleep, that can further lead to growth and developmental issues. Poor quality of sleep can lead to a number of issues like obesity, ADHD, poor weight gain, under-eye circles etc. Also, if your little one snores on a regular basis and you notice symptoms like gaining weight besides being a poor eater, there are chances that the main cause may be linked with the throat, lung or heart.
Are there any Side-effects of snoring in babies?
If you notice your baby snore on a regular basis, it can lead to a number of issues. We have discussed them below:
- Depression
- Poor memory
- lack of concentration
- Low levels of activity
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Cognitive dysfunction
- Stunted social development (when he/she grows up)
Is there any way to cure infant snoring?
Sometimes baby snoring may not be something to worry about and it may be just a cause of common cold. In such cases, you can rely on some effective home remedies in order to get rid of it. We have discussed some of these remedies below:
Humidifier
Dry air can irritate the immature airways of the baby. Thus, in order to ease breathing by maintaining optimum levels of humidity, it is recommended you use a humidifier. Ease in breathing will thus improve snoring in your little one.
Inhale steam
One of the best ways to get rid of snoring issues is by letting your little one inhale steam. You can switch on the warm shower in the bathroom so as to let the steam rise. Hold your little one in your arms and let the steam get into your little one’s airways. This might bring ease in the blockage that can be causing breathing issues.
Adjust sleep position
Babies are likely to snore when they are asleep on their tummy or on their back. You can thus try to switch their position while they are asleep. Sleeping on the back is considered to be the best sleeping positions for the baby. You can try to tilt his head to one side and alternate the tilt side frequently.
Eliminate allergens
In order to prevent cold, nasal congestion and other respiratory problems that can be causing snoring, it is vital that you ensure your little one’s room is clean and dust-free. Also, remember not to use any such material in your baby’s room that is a dust magnet, for instance heavy curtains.
Should you visit a doctor?
In order to cure snoring issues, it is important that you keep a close watch over your baby. Of course, treating this issue will take some time but it is important you consult your doctor if you notice any of the following:
Interrupted sleep
Keep a watch over your baby while he/she is asleep and if you notice that your baby wakes up a number of times during his/her sleep due to snoring and this makes it almost impossible for your baby to sleep at a stretch, it is important that you consult your doctor.
Snoring too much
You should consult a doctor if you feel that your baby is snoring way too much every time he/she falls asleep and it does not improve even in days and weeks.
Loud snoring
If your baby’s snoring seems to be painful to your ears, there is definitely something wrong because this isn’t normal.
Erratic breathing
If you notice that your baby’s breathing seems to stop while he/she snores, you must consult a doctor. Even if it happens for just a second or two, it is a matter of concern as it can have a negative impact on your little one’s internal organs.
Conclusion
Although it is very rare that snoring can be a result of some serious medical condition. Usually, stuffy noses are the most common causes of snoring, which do not require any medical treatment. These can be easily treated with some simple home remedies. In case, there is something serious and you observe your baby snoring loudly or affecting your child’s breathing, you must consult a doctor.
References
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-news/snoring-children
http://www.eafhc.org/Default.aspx?tabid=13306&ContentPubID=103597&dnnprintmodule=true&SkinSrc=[G]Skins/_default/No%20Skin&ContainerSrc=[G]Containers/_default/No%20Container
