A baby's snoring can be caused by allergies, reflux and enlarged adenoids, which are all conditions that result in a narrowing of the airways and difficulty in the passage of air through the nose and airways.
It is not normal for a baby to make any noise when breathing when awake or asleep, nor for them to snore, and therefore, it is recommended to have snoring assessed by a pediatrician, particularly when the snoring is loud, constant, or accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or difficulty feeding.
The doctor will perform a complete evaluation to identify the underlying cause of the snoring and initiate the most appropriate treatment, as necessary.
What causes snoring in babies?
Baby snoring can be a sign of several medical conditions, such as:
- Cold or flu, which can lead to inflammation in the throat and a blocked or runny nose
- Enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which are a type of spongy tissue located inside the nose;
- Allergic rhinitis, which is often triggered by a specific substance that should be eliminated or avoided when possible
- Gastroesophageal reflux, which can occur due to gastrointestinal immaturity.
- Laryngomalacia, which is a congenital disease that affects the larynx and leads to obstruction of the airways when inhaling. It causes the baby to breathe through the mouth and snore;
- Deviated septum, which is when the wall that separates the two nostrils is altered, interfering with breathing.
- Throat infections, caused by viruses or bacteria.
Sleep apnea can also cause babies to snore and is characterized by a momentary stop in breathing while the baby is sleeping. This can lead to reduced amounts of oxygen reaching the blood and brain, leading to serious complications if left untreated.
What to do
A baby that snores constantly even if he or she does not have the flu or a cold should be assessed by a pediatrician to determine whether an underlying health condition is causing it. It is not always possible to identify the exact cause of the snoring, but it should still be investigated.
The pediatrician may order tests that can indicate to evaluate breathing and to guide the best treatment approach.
Possible complications
Snoring causes the baby to use more energy when sleeping, as they are forced to use more force to breathe. This can lead to difficulties in feeding and subsequent weight loss, as well as delayed development of the nervous system and motor coordination.
Breathing through the mouth can also lead to increased discomfort and pain in the throat, and can increase the likelihood for throat infections.
Babies that breathe through their mouth tend to have their lips half-open, which exposes the teeth. This can lead to long-term changes in the structure of the bones in the face, leading to a more elongated face shape and malaligned teeth.