Is snoring in an 8 year old child a sign of any sleep disorder?

Doctor's Answers 1

Hello,

Thanks for the D2D. Yes. It is likely that he might have Obstructive Sleep Apnea. He seems like he has stoppages in breathing at night and he might have nose congestion which explains his mouth opening during sleep.

Because of the stoppages in breathing at night, his brain does not get enough oxygen at night, hence this affects his daytime concentration, he has a short attention span and poorer memory with poorer academic performance.

In children, because of the sympathetic overdrive, they are hyperactive during the day and cannot focus on any task.

Might be prudent to consult a Sleep Specialist as soon as possible.

Similar Questions

How does one differentiate normal snoring from sleep apnea?

Thanks for the D2D. Snoring is not just noise. Not all who snore have sleep apnea, but snoring is a sign that you may have sleep apnea. In Singapore, a recent study found that 90% of those with already moderate to severe sleep apnea did not know that they had sleep apnea! Sleep apnea happens when there is a block in the airway that results in significant oxygen desaturation in the blood. To differentiate snoring from sleep apnea, a definitive sleep study is needed.

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Human

Is snoring in children indicative of a medical problem?

Snoring can occur in children too. Snoring is a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. It may represent the likelihood that the upper airway is narrow. These children could be noted to have gasping and or choking during their sleep at night, and their mouths may be open as their noses are blocked. During the day, they are either tired, have a poor concentration span, or they could be hyperactive from the excessive sympathetic overdrive. A thorough physical examination is required. There should be attention given to the nose, sinus turbinates, the adenoids, and the tonsils in the mouth.

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Dr Kenny Pang

ENT Doctor

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