Does My Child Need An Airway Health Assessment?

Is Your Child Breathing Right? Signs to Watch For and When to Seek Help

As parents, we’re always watching for signs that our children are healthy and thriving. However, one area that often gets overlooked is airway health. The way your child breathes, especially during sleep, can significantly impact their physical development, behavior, and overall well-being. Breathing issues aren’t always obvious, but there are some key signs that could indicate your child might benefit from an evaluation by a healthcare provider. Here is a quick checklist of common indicators of airway issues and why they’re important to monitor.

Signs to Watch For

1. Mouth Breathing: Pay attention to how your child breathes. Is their mouth open most of the time? Mouth breathing, especially during sleep, can lead to dry mouth (which also increases the risk of cavities) and may indicate a blockage in the airway. Long-term mouth breathing can also impact facial development, leading to what some call "long face syndrome."

2. Snoring or Noisy Breathing: Snoring in children is not normal and can be a red flag for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or other airway issues. Even light snoring or noisy breathing at night may suggest that the airway is partially blocked, making it harder for your child to get restful sleep.

3. Restless Sleep: Does your child toss and turn all night or wake up tangled in their sheets? Restless sleep could mean they’re struggling to breathe comfortably. Poor-quality sleep affects growth, learning, and emotional regulation.

4. Difficulty Focusing or Behavioral Issues: Sleep disruptions caused by airway issues don’t just result in tiredness. They can also manifest as hyperactivity, difficulty concentrating, or even irritability during the day. In fact, some children diagnosed with ADHD may actually be dealing with sleep and breathing problems.

5. Frequent Nighttime Wake-Ups: If your child wakes up multiple times a night, wets the bed, or appears groggy even after sleeping for 9–12 hours (the recommended amount for children), this could be a sign of sleep-disordered breathing.

6. Speech or Swallowing Difficulties: Airway issues can sometimes be linked to trouble with speech development or difficulty swallowing. If your child has a speech delay or frequently struggles with certain sounds, an underlying breathing issue could be contributing to the problem.

Why Addressing Airway Issues is Crucial

Healthy breathing patterns are essential for proper growth and development. Children’s bodies and brains depend on quality sleep to repair and recharge. When airway issues go unaddressed, they can lead to a range of challenges, including:

• Cognitive and behavioral problems

• Increased risk of dental issues

• Delayed or altered facial growth

• Lower energy levels and weakened immune function

What to Do if You’re Concerned

If you’ve noticed one or more of these signs in your child, it may be worthwhile to schedule an evaluation with a healthcare provider. Specialists such as pediatric dentists, ENT doctors, myofunctional therapists or sleep specialists are trained to identify and address airway concerns. An early assessment can make a big difference, as many issues are easier to treat when caught early.

What have you got to lose?

Your child’s airway health plays a significant role in their overall well-being. By staying attuned to subtle signs and taking action when necessary, you can help ensure your child is breathing, sleeping, and thriving the way they’re meant to.

If you’re ready to take the next step or have questions about your child’s airway health, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted healthcare provider. Early intervention could be the key to setting your child on a healthier, happier path!