Why Does My Child Snore at Night? | A Houston ENT Explains

By: Dr Madeleine Herman, MD, MPH, FAAOA

It might be cute at first—but if your child snores regularly, it could be a sign of something more serious than just a noisy sleeper. At SCENT Houston - Sinus Center & ENT Specialists of Houston, a trusted ENT clinic in Houston, we help parents understand when snoring is harmless—and when it might signal a problem like sleep apnea, enlarged tonsils, or nasal obstruction.

Let’s explore the causes, risks, and treatment options for pediatric snoring.

Is It Normal for a Child to Snore?

Occasional snoring in children is common, especially when they have a cold, allergies, or nasal congestion. However, frequent or loud snoring—particularly if it’s every night—may suggest an underlying medical issue that needs evaluation by a pediatric ENT specialist.

Common Causes of Snoring in Children

1. Enlarged Tonsils and Adenoids

This is the #1 cause of chronic snoring in children. The tonsils and adenoids are located in the back of the throat and nasal cavity. If they’re too large, they can block airflow—especially at night when muscles relax.

2. Nasal Congestion or Allergies

Houston’s allergy season can cause swollen nasal passages, making it harder for your child to breathe through their nose. This often leads to mouth breathing and snoring.

3. Sleep Apnea (Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children)

Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious condition where the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep. It can cause:

• Loud snoring

• Pauses in breathing

• Restless sleep

• Daytime fatigue or hyperactivity

  
  

4. Deviated Septum or Nasal Obstruction

A crooked nasal septum or other anatomical issues may reduce airflow and contribute to nighttime breathing problems.

5. Obesity

Extra weight around the neck and airway can increase the risk of airway collapse, contributing to snoring and sleep-disordered breathing.

Signs You Should See an ENT

If your child shows any of the following symptoms, it’s time to consult a Houston ENT specialist:

• Snoring more than 3 nights per week

• Pauses in breathing, gasping, or choking during sleep

• Mouth breathing or dry mouth in the morning

• Frequent night wakings or restless sleep

• Bedwetting beyond expected age

• Poor school performance or daytime irritability

  
  

How Is Pediatric Snoring Diagnosed?

At SCENT Houston - Sinus Center & ENT Specialists of Houston, we start with a detailed medical history and physical exam. If sleep apnea is suspected, we may recommend a sleep study (polysomnography) to monitor your child’s breathing overnight.

Treatment Options for Snoring in Children

Depending on the cause, treatment may include:

✅ Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy (T&A)

This is the most common and effective treatment for children with enlarged tonsils/adenoids causing snoring or sleep apnea.

✅ Allergy Treatment

Managing Houston allergies through medications or immunotherapy can reduce nasal swelling and improve breathing.

✅ Nasal Surgery

For children with significant nasal obstruction or a deviated septum, a minor surgical procedure may be recommended.

✅ Lifestyle Changes

In cases related to weight, nutritional counseling and activity changes may help reduce symptoms.

Get Help from a ENT in Houston

You don’t have to wonder if your child’s snoring is normal. At SCENT Houston - Sinus Center & ENT Specialists of Houston, our experienced ENT team provides compassionate, expert care to evaluate and treat snoring in kids—so they can sleep soundly and breathe easily.

📞 Schedule an ENT consultation today and take the first step toward better sleep for your child—and your whole family.

📍 Serving families in Houston, Bellaire, Memorial, West University, River Oaks, and surrounding areas.