Snoring in Children: Care Instructions
Your Care Instructions
Snoring is a noise that your child may make while breathing during sleep. People snore when the flow of air
from the mouth or nose to the lungs makes the tissues of the throat vibrate while they sleep. This usually is
caused by a blockage or narrowing in the nose, mouth, or throat (airway).
Snoring can be soft, loud, raspy, harsh, hoarse, or fluttering. You may notice that your child sleeps with
his or her mouth open and that your child is restless while sleeping. If snoring interferes with your child's
sleep, he or she may feel tired during the day.
You may be able to help reduce your child's snoring by making changes in his or her activities and in the way
he or she sleeps.
Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all
appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your
child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.
How can you care for your child at home?
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Help your child lose weight, if needed. Many people who snore are overweight. Weight loss can help reduce
the narrowing of the airway and might reduce or stop snoring.
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Make sure that your child goes to bed at the same time each night and gets plenty of sleep. Your child may
snore more when your child has not had enough sleep.
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Have your child sleep on their side. Sleeping on the side may stop snoring. Try sewing a pocket in the
middle of the back of your child's pajama top, putting a tennis ball into the pocket, and stitching it
closed. This will help keep your child from sleeping on their back.
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Treat your child's breathing problems. Breathing problems caused by colds or allergies can disturb
airflow. This can lead to snoring.
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Have your child use a device that helps keep the airway open during sleep. For example, nasal strips widen
the nostrils and improve airflow. Make sure the device is approved for use in children.
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Keep your child away from smoke. Do not smoke or let anyone else smoke around your child or in your house.
Smoking may increase your child's risk of snoring.
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If your child is older than 12 months, raise the head of your child's bed a little bit by putting bricks
under the legs of the bed. This may prevent your child's tongue from falling toward the back of the throat,
which can make a blocked or narrow airway worse. Putting pillows under your child's head will not help.
When should you call for help?
Watch closely
for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
Current as of: September 27, 2023
Content Version: 14.0
Care instructions adapted under license by your
healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask
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this information.