Recently, a piece of news has drawn the attention of many parents to children's snoring and mouth breathing. According to Qilu Evening News, at the beginning of 2021, a 6-year-old obese child suffered from breathing difficulties while sleeping and went through the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) of Jinan Children's Hospital. After preliminary physical examination, it was found that Xiaozhi's bilateral tonsils were 3 degree hypertrophy. Under the clear electronic nasopharyngoscope image, the culprit of Xiaozhi's inability to breathe normally was found. It turned out to be adenoid hypertrophy and tonsil hypertrophy !
Toddlers snoring while sleeping is often mistaken for "sleeping soundly". However, medical experts reminded that this may be a symptom of a problem with the child’s "throat", which requires parents to pay special attention and seek medical attention as soon as possible. If it is not treated for a long time, it may even cause problems such as memory loss of and growth retardation.
Cause-upper respiratory tract infection can lead to adenoid hypertrophy
Experts say that adenoids are an important immune organ , like the tonsils we often say, are important protective tissues of the human body. The adenoids are located at the junction of the apical and posterior walls of the nasopharynx, between the pharyngeal crypts on both sides. Adenoids exist after birth, most notable at 8 to 10 years of age, and gradually shrink after 10 years of age. Physiological hypertrophy of adenoids may cause pathological hypertrophy due to repeated inflammation and stimulation, and the corresponding symptoms are called adenoid hypertrophy.
Consequences-can affect the child’s personality and intellectual development span2span "), otitis media, rhinitis, sinusitis, etc.,And what parents are most worried about affecting their children's face, intelligence, character, and growth and development. According to experts, children’s intellectual personality and growth and development are related to children’s snoring and holding breath during sleep. First of all, growth hormone is secreted during deep sleep at night, while children who love snoring and holding breath destroy their sleep structure, reduce deep sleep, and sleep. Poor quality affects the character of the child. Secondly, snoring and holding breath lead to a decrease in blood oxygen and insufficient oxygen supply to the brain, which affects the child's intelligence.
Coping-What should parents do when the child is sleeping with his mouth open?
1. The doctor’s face-to-face consultation is the first step
ENT- Head and Neck Surgery The doctor will observe the adenoids and tonsil hypertrophy through lateral X-rays of the nasopharynx and fiberoptic endoscopy To determine the degree of airway obstruction, if sleep apnea is suspected, polysomnography is the gold standard for diagnosis. If adenoid hypertrophy is diagnosed, the doctor will also judge the need for medication and surgery based on the child's specific conditions.
2. After removing the airway obstruction, improve mouth breathing habits
After receiving medical treatment to ensure that the nasal congestion problem is resolved, you can follow the doctor’s instructions and perform lip muscle training with oral breathing appliances, from both active and passive aspects At the same time improve children's mouth breathing habits.
Prevention—prevent colds and improve sleep quality
There are “snoring babies” who do not sleep well at home. Be careful, quickly find the cause of the child’s snoring and improve it as soon as possible. Parents should first strengthen their usual protection to reduce the chance of upper respiratory tract infections, such as preventing colds, fever, and coughing. At the same time, it is possible to prevent and alleviate children's snoring during sleep in many ways, such as helping children develop regular sleeping habits, allowing children to have a comfortable sleeping environment and comfortable sleeping posture, controlling weight, strengthening physical exercise, and paying attention to personal hygiene and The health of the respiratory tract, in this way, ensures that the child has a good sleep, which also guarantees the healthy growth of the child.
What should I do to improve my child’s sleep quality? Xiaowei told you
Pillow-a pillow for adults not suitable for children.The height of the pillow should be adjusted according to the baby’s development. You can start from a height of about 3cm and slowly adjust to 6-9 cm (3~4 months old babies can use 1cm high pillows; 7-8 months old babies) A 3cm high pillow should be chosen; the height of a pillow for infants and toddlers between 1 and 3 years old is best 6-9cm). This can better support the cervical spine, relax the neck muscles naturally, and improve sleep quality.
Recommended brands: Downland Kids, clevamama, JACE, Tokyo Nishikawa, Bihe, LEACH
quilt-it is best to choose a cotton fabric, as for the filling there are basically three types: polyester fiber, cotton, silk. Choose the three materials carefully, choose products with national safety grade A, and choose solid and reliable brand manufacturers such as printing and dyeing, workmanship, and raw materials.
Recommended brands: Mercury Home Textiles, Laffield, aden+anais, Comfort Bao
Mattress-considering air permeability and softness, too soft or too hard will cause the child's spine to develop poorly and sleep alone. For children, the thickness of the quilt is about 3~5 cm, and the long size can be selected according to the size of the bed.
Recommended brands: Mercury Home Textiles, Goodbaby Home Textiles, Roland Home Textiles, more favorite
In addition, parents should also pay attention to avoid using noisy electrical appliances in the sleeping environment, and keep the bedroom dark and increase the bedroom If the child is still snoring and cannot sleep well, parents must go to the otolaryngology department or sleep specialist for face-to-face consultation in time.
