Is Your Child Breathing Through Their Mouth at Night?
It is common for parents to think snoring in children is just a cute sleeping quirk. However, habitual snoring or sleeping with the mouth open often indicates an obstructed pediatric airway.
What Are Adenoids?
Adenoids are small patches of lymphoid tissue located behind the nose, above the roof of the mouth. In children, they help filter out germs.
In some children, repeated infections or allergies cause the adenoids to swell significantly, blocking the narrow passage between the nose and throat.
Consequences of Untreated Childhood Mouth Breathing
Restless sleep, frequent tossing and turning, or waking up tired and irritable for school.
Changes in facial and dental structure: prolonged mouth breathing can lead to an elongated face and crowded teeth (adenoid facies).
Middle ear fluid build-up (glue ear): swollen adenoids can block the Eustachian tube, causing temporary hearing loss and delayed speech clarity.
Gentle Diagnosis and Conservative Management
At Swasthya ENT Centre, Dr. Sandhya Patil evaluates children with gentle, non-stressful examinations.
Many cases improve with appropriate anti-allergy nasal sprays and medical therapy, reserving surgical treatment only for severe or persistent obstruction.
When to Consult an ENT Specialist
- ✓Child snores on most nights of the week
- ✓Pauses or gasps in breathing during sleep
- ✓Frequent ear infections or suspected difficulty hearing
Need a personalized consultation?
Dr. Sandhya S. Patil is available at Swasthya ENT Centre in Banashankari, Bengaluru.