Breathing difficulties while sleeping: how can I help my child?

If children experience breathing difficulties while they sleep, they can suffer from a wide range of symptoms, as explained by consultant paediatric ENT surgeon Mr Christopher Pepper in his latest article below.

What are some common causes of breathing difficulties in children during the night?

Some common causes of breathing difficulties in children during the night include:

• Asthma
• Obstructive sleep apnoea
• Congestion from colds
• Allergies

In some cases, underlying medical conditions, such as a heart defect, may also contribute to breathing problems during sleep.

How can parents recognize if their child is experiencing breathing problems overnight?

Parents may recognise that their child is experiencing breathing problems overnight by observing signs such as:

• Loud snoring
• Pauses in breathing
• Sweating
• Restlessness during sleep
• Bedwetting
• Difficulty sleeping through the night

Some children may also experience symptoms such as morning headaches, daytime tiredness, and behavioural problems.

What are some effective treatments for children who have breathing problems while sleeping?

Effective treatments for children who have breathing problems while sleeping will depend on the underlying cause. For example, children with asthma may benefit from using inhaled medications to open their airways.

Children with sleep apnoea will often benefit from tonsil or adenoid surgery to resolve their problems. Nasal congestion can be treated with nasal decongestants and humidifiers.

Are there any lifestyle changes that parents can make to help reduce the likelihood of their child experiencing breathing problems overnight?

Lifestyle changes that parents can make to help reduce the likelihood of their child experiencing breathing problems overnight may include ensuring that the child's sleeping area is free of irritants such as dust and smoke, as well as keeping the room at a comfortable temperature and humidity level.

In some cases, parents may also be advised to help their child maintain a healthy weight, as being overweight can increase the risk of sleep apnoea.

Are there any warning signs or symptoms that parents should look out for to indicate that their child may be at risk for experiencing breathing problems overnight?

Warning signs indicating that their child may be at risk for breathing problems overnight, include:

• Loud snoring
• Episodes of breath-holding or gasping
• Increased work of breathing or chest retractions during breathing
• Sweating or restless sleep

Parents should also be aware of the symptoms of common conditions such as asthma and allergies, as these can also contribute to breathing problems during sleep.

If you notice any of these symptoms or have concerns about your child's breathing during sleep, it is important to consult a children’s ENT surgeon or paediatrician.

Mr Christopher Pepper is a leading consultant paediatric ENT surgeon based in London. If you would like to book a consultation with Mr Pepper you can do so today via his Top Doctors profile.