Paediatric Sleep Apnoea – Signs, Causes and How ENT Specialists Can Help
Sleep is essential for a child’s growth, behaviour, learning and emotional wellbeing. When a child struggles to breathe properly during sleep, the effects can be significant — leading to daytime tiredness, behavioural challenges, poor concentration and difficulties at school.
At Hampshire ENT Clinics, The Harbour Suite at Queen Alexandra Hospital, and Medicana Winchester, we diagnose and treat paediatric sleep apnoea for families across Portsmouth, Southampton, Winchester and Salisbury. Early recognition and treatment can transform a child’s quality of life.
😴 What Is Paediatric Sleep Apnoea?
Paediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) happens when a child’s airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep. Unlike adults, children may not appear sleepy; instead, they often show:
Restless, noisy sleep
Snoring
Pauses in breathing
Night-time mouth breathing
Bedwetting
Irritability or behaviour changes
Difficulty concentrating
Left untreated, sleep apnoea can affect growth, learning and cardiovascular health.
👃 Common Causes of Sleep Apnoea in Children
The most common cause is enlarged tonsils and adenoids blocking the airway during sleep.
Other contributing factors include:
Chronic nasal congestion
Allergies
Large turbinates
Obesity
Structural differences in the face or jaw
Neuromuscular conditions (less common)
A detailed ENT examination usually identifies the cause quickly.
🔍 Signs Parents Should Watch For
A child may have sleep apnoea if they:
Snore loudly most nights
Pause or gasp while breathing
Toss and turn frequently
Sleep with their neck extended or mouth open
Wake unrefreshed or difficult to wake
Are unusually emotional, hyperactive or inattentive
Have morning headaches
Bedwet after toilet training
If your child has these symptoms ENT review is recommended.
🩺 How Sleep Apnoea Is Diagnosed
Assessment at Hampshire ENT Clinics, The Harbour Suite at QA Hospital, or Medicana Winchester may include:
ENT examination (a detailed history and examination, by a paediatric ENT consultant is often all that is needed)
Flexible nasendoscopy (if required, child-friendly camera assessment)
Sleep study or oximetry (if required)
Evaluation of nasal airflow, tonsils and adenoids
Many children can be diagnosed without complex sleep studies.
🛠️ Treatment Options for Paediatric Sleep Apnoea
1. Adenotonsillectomy (Tonsils + Adenoids Removal)
The most effective treatment for most children.
Benefits include:
Better airflow at night
More settled sleep
Improved behaviour and concentration
Reduced snoring
Fewer breathing pauses
Better appetite and growth
Coblation® techniques are frequently used to reduce pain and recovery time.
2. Medical Treatment for Nasal Blockage
If nasal congestion contributes to symptoms, treatment may include:
Nasal steroid spray
Antihistamines
Saline rinses
Treatment of allergies
3. Weight Management Advice
For children where weight plays a role, combined support from ENT and paediatrics can help.
🌟 How Treatment Helps
After treatment for sleep apnoea, many parents report that their child:
Sleeps quietly and deeply
Wakes more refreshed
Concentrates better at school
Shows fewer behavioural difficulties
Has more stable energy and mood
Breathes through the nose more easily
For many families, the improvement is life-changing.
🏥 Why Families Choose Hampshire ENT Clinics, The Harbour Suite at QA Hospital & Medicana Winchester
Consultant-led paediatric ENT care
Expertise in Coblation® adenotonsillectomy
Child-friendly facilities
Easy access for families from Portsmouth, Southampton, Winchester & Salisbury
Clear communication and supportive care throughout treatment
👉 If your child snores, breathes noisily at night or shows signs of sleep apnoea, contact Hampshire ENT Clinics or Medicana Winchester for an expert assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Paediatric Sleep Apnoea
What is paediatric sleep apnoea?
Paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a condition where a child’s airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, leading to disturbed breathing, poor-quality sleep, and reduced oxygen levels.
Is snoring in children normal?
Occasional snoring during a cold is common. Regular, loud snoring most nights is not normal and should be assessed, particularly if associated with pauses in breathing or restless sleep.
How is sleep apnoea in children different from adults?
Children with sleep apnoea are often not sleepy during the day. Instead, they may appear hyperactive, irritable, inattentive, or struggle at school. Behavioural issues are a common presentation.
What causes sleep apnoea in children?
The most common cause is enlarged tonsils and adenoids. Other contributing factors include chronic nasal congestion, allergies, obesity, enlarged turbinates, and facial or jaw structure differences.
What symptoms should parents look out for?
Key signs include:
Loud snoring most nights
Pauses, gasping or choking during sleep
Restless or unsettled sleep
Mouth breathing at night
Bedwetting after toilet training
Behavioural changes, poor concentration, or hyperactivity
Morning headaches or difficulty waking
Can sleep apnoea affect my child’s development?
Yes. Untreated sleep apnoea can affect learning, behaviour, growth, emotional regulation, and in severe cases, cardiovascular health. Early treatment leads to excellent outcomes.
How is paediatric sleep apnoea diagnosed?
In many cases, a careful history and ENT examination are sufficient. Additional tests such as flexible nasendoscopy or overnight oximetry/sleep studies are used selectively, depending on symptoms and findings.
Does every child need a sleep study?
No. Many children can be confidently diagnosed without formal sleep studies, particularly when symptoms and examination findings are clear.
What is the main treatment for paediatric sleep apnoea?
The most effective treatment for most children is adenotonsillectomy (removal of tonsils and adenoids). This addresses the underlying airway obstruction.
Is adenotonsillectomy safe?
Yes. It is a very common paediatric ENT procedure. Modern techniques, including Coblation®, are often used to reduce pain and speed recovery.
What improvements can we expect after treatment?
Parents frequently report:
Quiet, settled sleep
Improved behaviour and concentration
Better mood and emotional regulation
Reduced snoring and breathing pauses
Improved energy, appetite and growth
Improvements are often noticeable within weeks.
Are there non-surgical treatments?
Yes, in selected cases. Medical treatment for nasal blockage or allergies may help, and weight management advice is important where obesity contributes. Surgery is not required for every child.
What happens if sleep apnoea is left untreated?
Ongoing sleep disruption can lead to persistent behavioural problems, learning difficulties, poor growth, and long-term health consequences. Early assessment is strongly recommended.
Where can my child be assessed and treated?
Consultant-led paediatric ENT assessment and treatment are available at Hampshire ENT Clinics, The Harbour Suite at Queen Alexandra Hospital, and Medicana Winchester, caring for families from Portsmouth, Southampton, Winchester, Salisbury, and across Hampshire.
When should I seek an ENT opinion?
You should seek specialist assessment if your child snores regularly, has noisy or restless sleep, pauses in breathing, behavioural changes, or difficulties with concentration or school performance.