We associate the snore to adults, but children snore too. We have all snored on occasion, but in the case of the little ones, that they do so continuously is reason enough to go to a specialist.
Because as they explain from the (SEORL-CCC), snoring is one of the most frequent symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing among children.
When to go to the specialist
As the doctor explains peter baptistaPresident of the Snoring and Sleep Disorders commission of the SEORL-CCC:
“Parents should consult a specialist if their child snores three nights a week, makes a sound of an intense character and it occurs without being associated with a catarrhal process.”
And he adds: “The prevalence of snoring ranges from 1.5 to 27.6% for different studies and populations.”
In addition, this specialist warns that children with .
“Elongated faces will be seen, with a lack of development of the middle third of the face, and a greater growth of the lower third (the jaw) in an asymmetrical way,” he points out.
Why do children snore?
The causes of sleep-disordered breathing in children can be varied.
“Anatomical, craniofacial, and neuromuscular factors, excess lymphoid tissue, and inflammation of the airways are the most critical components,” explains the otolaryngologist.
“Hypertrophy of adenoids (vegetations) and tonsils is more prevalent between 3 and 6 years of age, and are strongly related to childhood obstructive sleep apnea syndrome In children”.
Consequences of infant snoring
When the child breathes through the mouth instead of through the nose, his anatomy changes and also the way he eats and drinks.
“The absence of nasal breathing in children can induce an alteration in craniofacial growth and the proper development of other functions, such as chewing and swallowing,” explains the doctor.
This occurs because, “for allow breathing in the presence of a nasal obstructionthere is a correction of the position of the head and jaw that directly influences the tonicity of the tongue and the orofacial muscles”.
Regarding craniofacial anomalies, at birth the face is approximately 40% of adult size and increases to 65% at 3 years. This facial growth is complete after puberty.
Although determined by genetic factors, environmental aspects such as breathing pattern can also contribute to growth.
“When these changes persist over time, there is a change in the balance of muscle pressure on the bones of the face and teeth and induce dento-skeletal morphological changes. They can be seen both externally and internally,” says this specialist. .
Childhood obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
Among these respiratory disorders, specialists highlight obstructive childhood sleep apnea syndrome.
This disorder is characterized by partial and/or complete obstruction of the upper respiratory tract. Affects 1 to 5% of all childrenand its peak incidence is between 3 and 8 years of age.
Furthermore, it is more severe in boys than in girls due to craniofacial morphology.
“This is a very important disorder. And among others, as the Baptist doctor explains, it is involved in:
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Decreased quality of life
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Enuresis,
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learning delay
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bruxism
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behavioral problems
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psychiatric
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neurocognitive
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cardiovascular
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metabolic
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Endocrine and growth abnormalities”.
70% of children present dental malocclusion due to snoring
When a child breathes through the mouth, internally changes can be seen in the upper and lower dental arch as well as in the position of the tongue.
This causes a dental malocclusion, that is, an incorrect alignment of the teeth.
It is estimated that 70% of children present some deviation from the ideal occlusion of the teeth, and around 30% need dental treatment to correct it.
The overbitecrossbite, or dental crowding are other different types of malocclusion.
“The most common visible abnormality in these children is crooked teeth.”
And as the doctor points out:
“A child should breathe most of the time through his nose, have his tongue touching the palate when his mouth is closed, and not snore repeatedly. If these events do not occur, it will have consequences for his dentofacial development.”
Treatment
Surgery to remove the tonsils and vegetations (adenotonsillectomy) is usually the most indicated treatment to correct breathing in children.
But this does not always solve the problem completely.
“This is due to the presence of other problems, such as:
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The turbinal hypertrophy (excess size of the nasal turbinates) due to allergic processes that affect almost 15% of children up to 8 years of age.
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the presence of a tongue tie (short frenulum) that hinders the correct position of the tongue, making post-surgery nasal breathing impossible and which can affect 10% of the pediatric population”, explains the specialist.
Therefore, if after surgery the patient…