Snoring and Nasal Issues in Children: Causes and Solutions

Q: Snoring and Nasal Issues in Children: Causes and Solutions

Hello： In response to your question： Your son is experiencing mouth breathing due to the enlargement of the lymphatic tissue in the nasopharynx, which we refer to as adenoids. <br>This enlargement obstructs the choanae, leading to snoring during sleep, especially when he has a co

Regarding nasal issues?

Hello Doctor,
I would like to ask about my son, who is currently in the first grade.
Ever since he started school, he has been snoring loudly every night, which he never did before.
He had a mild cold with a little cough previously and was on medication, but the doctor has consistently said that the snoring is due to enlarged tonsils.
In mid-November, he complained of dizziness and was found to have a fever, so we took him to the hospital.
An X-ray showed that both sides of his nose had pus, indicating that the pus could not drain out.
What could be the underlying cause of this?
He is still on medication, but he continues to snore a little while sleeping, and sometimes his breathing sounds very loud.
Why hasn't he improved after taking medication for so long? Does taking medication for such an extended period have any implications? What conditions would indicate that he is completely better? In the mornings, he sometimes sneezes and coughs, but he only coughs occasionally at school.

Additionally, my daughter also snores, but she has a constant runny nose or feels like she has mucus that won't come out.
She has been on medication for over a month as well, and her X-ray showed that one side of her nose has pus.
I feel a bit overwhelmed and would like to know what I can do to help my children stop taking medication.
Thank you.

maggie, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2002/12/12

Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology

Hello: In response to your question: Your son is experiencing mouth breathing due to the enlargement of the lymphatic tissue in the nasopharynx, which we refer to as adenoids.
This enlargement obstructs the choanae, leading to snoring during sleep, especially when he has a cold, which can also result in high fever and tonsillitis.
Additionally, the thick nasal mucus is difficult to expel, contributing to acute sinusitis.
Therefore, I recommend consulting an otolaryngologist to evaluate whether surgery to remove the adenoids would be beneficial in resolving these issues.

Reply Date: 2002/12/12

More Info

Understanding snoring and nasal issues in children can be quite complex, especially when multiple symptoms are present. Based on your description, it seems that both of your children are experiencing significant nasal problems that are contributing to their snoring and other respiratory issues.

Causes of Snoring in Children
1. Enlarged Tonsils and Adenoids: One of the most common causes of snoring in children is the enlargement of the tonsils and adenoids. These lymphatic tissues can obstruct the airway, leading to snoring and disrupted sleep. In your son's case, the doctor has already indicated that enlarged tonsils may be contributing to his snoring.

2. Nasal Congestion: Your son’s recent diagnosis of sinusitis (indicated by the presence of pus in the nasal cavities) can also lead to nasal congestion. When the nasal passages are blocked, children often breathe through their mouths while sleeping, which can cause snoring. The thick mucus can also lead to discomfort and difficulty breathing at night.

3. Allergies: Allergies can cause chronic nasal congestion and post-nasal drip, which can also contribute to snoring. If your daughter is experiencing a runny nose and feels like she has mucus that won’t come out, this could be a sign of allergic rhinitis.

4. Infections: Frequent upper respiratory infections can lead to inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages, exacerbating snoring.

Why Medication May Not Be Working
If your children have been on medication for an extended period without improvement, several factors could be at play:
- Underlying Conditions: If the root cause of the nasal congestion (like enlarged adenoids or chronic sinusitis) is not addressed, medications alone may not provide relief.
- Type of Medication: Some medications may not be effective for certain types of nasal congestion. For example, antihistamines may help with allergy-related symptoms but may not address structural issues like enlarged tonsils or adenoids.

- Duration of Treatment: Some conditions may require longer treatment durations or a different approach altogether, such as surgical intervention for enlarged tonsils/adenoids.

When to Seek Further Medical Attention
You should consider revisiting your healthcare provider if:
- Persistent Symptoms: If your son continues to snore loudly, has difficulty breathing at night, or experiences daytime fatigue, these could be signs of obstructive sleep apnea, which requires further evaluation.

- Worsening Condition: If your daughter’s nasal symptoms worsen or she develops new symptoms, such as fever or significant discomfort, it’s essential to seek medical advice.

- Lack of Improvement: If there is no improvement after a reasonable period of treatment, it may be time to reassess the diagnosis and treatment plan.

Solutions and Management
1. Consult an ENT Specialist: Given the complexity of your children’s symptoms, a referral to an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist may be beneficial. They can perform a thorough examination and may recommend a sleep study if sleep apnea is suspected.

2. Consider Surgery: If enlarged tonsils or adenoids are confirmed to be the cause of the snoring and breathing difficulties, surgical removal (adenotonsillectomy) may be necessary.

3. Manage Allergies: If allergies are contributing to the nasal congestion, environmental controls (like reducing dust mites and pet dander) and appropriate allergy medications may help.

4. Nasal Irrigation: Saline nasal sprays or rinses can help clear mucus and reduce congestion, providing some relief.

5. Monitor and Adjust Medications: Work closely with your healthcare provider to ensure that the medications being used are appropriate for your children’s specific symptoms and conditions.

In conclusion, addressing snoring and nasal issues in children often requires a multifaceted approach that includes proper diagnosis, treatment of underlying conditions, and sometimes surgical intervention. Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers are crucial to ensure that your children receive the appropriate care and management for their symptoms.

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