Snoring and sleep apnoea is not just a social problem, some snorers stop breathing during sleep. Increasingly, snoring has been linked to poor concentration, learning and IQ problems, behavioural problems, heart issues, blood pressure, weight and growth issues, nightmares, asthma, and even sudden death.
In children, the most common cause for snoring and sleep apnoea is adenoid and tonsil enlargement. However, a nose, throat or craniofacial growth cause is possible too.
To determine the severity of the condition and to exclude a central brain cause, a children sleep study will be performed by the Paediatric Respiratory Medicine Service in NUH.
Treatment may involve weight and diet control at the Obesity Clinic in NUH, night-time masks delivering pressurised air, obturators or surgery. Surgery may involve removal of enlarged tonsils and adenoids, radiofrequency reduction of nose turbinate swellings, laser or conventional soft palate surgery, and tongue base advancements. Craniofacial disproportions may require facial advancements by our Plastic & Neurosurgeons.
Click here to access our Find A Doctor directory for a list of doctors treating this condition across our NUHS institutions.
