9 causes of snoring and sleep apnea in children

9 CAUSES OF SNORING AND SLEEP APNEA IN CHILDREN

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Like adults, kids too can have medical conditions that interfere with their ability to sleep. Did you know around 12% of children snore habitually and up to 2% suffer from sleep apnea? Snoring is caused when the palate at the back of your mouth vibrates with every incoming breath, whereas, sleep apnea is any involuntary pause while breathing. This pause may or may not be due to snoring.

Dr Atul Mittal, Director, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, New Delhi explains the causes and complications of snoring or sleep apnea in kids.

WHY DO KIDS SNORE?Obstruction of the airways is the common

cause of snoring and sleep apnea. It leads to partial or complete blockage of the airway preventing air from entering the lungs.

Here are 9 reasons for narrowing or blocking of the airway:

1. ALLERGIC REACTIONSIf your kid is allergic to a bee sting,

medication, pollen or certain food, she might experience swelling of the trachea or throat, which in turn causes obstruction in the airflow. Forget about outdoor allergens! Is your home allergen-free?

2. BREATHING IN SMOKE OR FOREIGN BODIES

Inhalation of smoke due to fire or burns or other particles like pieces of a balloon, coins, small toys, buttons or even peanuts causes obstruction of the airway.

3. BRONCHITIS

In some cases, even inflammation of the bronchial tubes (airways that carry air to your lungs) cause problems during sleep.

4. EPIGLOTTITISThe epiglottis is a structure that

separates the trachea from the esophagus. Any infection in the epiglottis (epiglottitis) can hinder the airflow to the lungs and cause sleep apnea or snoring.

5. ENLARGED ADENOIDS

It not only makes it hard to breathe but also increases their risk of ear problems.

6. TONSILLITISThe inflammation of the tonsils

makes it difficult for the passage of air through the enlarged tonsils which in turn increases the chances of suffering from sleep apnea. Here’s more on the treatment and prevention of tonsillitis.

7. INFECTIONS OR INJURY

Viral or bacterial infections of the upper or lower respiratory tract also increases the risk of snoring in kids.

8. THROAT INFECTION

Also, a collection of pus in the tissues at the back of the throat during or soon after a throat infection is a key reason for sleep apnea.

9. ASTHMA

Inflammation of the airways causes swelling of the lining of the air passages that in turn reduces the amount of air breathed in by the lungs.

If your kid is finding it hard to deal with sleep apnea or unable to get a good night’s sleep, consult your doctor.

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Original Source:http://www.thehealthsite.com/parenting/causes-of-snoring-and-sleep-apnea-in-kids-b1215/

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