Snoring to worry about

While snoring among adults brings its own set of problems, doctors now are being urged to screen for snoring among children. Doctors should ask about it, and parents should mention it, according to American Academy of Pediatrics, which just issued new guidelines on the topic.

The concern is that childhood snoring may be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition in which the upper airway is partially or fully blocked, resulting in disturbances to sleep. Complications can be serious, including behavioral problems and learning disorders.

If a problem is suspected, a nighttime sleep study may be in order to see what's going on. Removal of tonsils and adenoids is the main treatment for most children with obstructive sleep apnea, and it is usually effective, according to the academy.

Resources

The American Academy of Pediatrics Web site provides a news release with basic information about the organization's new clinical practice guidelines for children who snore. Physicians and health professionals may want to read the full policy statement.

May 11, 2002