Sleep apnea in children aged 1-3 years

Sleep apnea in children aged 1-3 years: Dangerous snoring

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (СОАС) is a disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of partial or complete cessation of breathing during sleep due to collapse of the upper airways. Loud, intermittent snoring in a baby is not just a cute trait, but a potentially dangerous symptom that should never be ignored. Chronic nighttime oxygen deficiency can negatively affect brain development, the cardiovascular system, and a child's growth.

Main cause: Enlarged adenoids and tonsils

Unlike adults, in whom apnea is most often linked to excess weight, the number one cause in children aged 1-3 years is hyperplasia (enlargement) of the adenoids and palatine tonsils. Lymphoid tissue at this age grows actively, responding to constant exposure to viruses. Enlarged adenoids and tonsils can mechanically obstruct the nasopharynx, especially when the child lies on their back and the muscles relax during sleep. This leads to breathing cessation, a drop in blood oxygen levels, and micro‑arousals of the brain to resume breathing.

How to suspect apnea in a baby?

Parents may notice the following signs:

• Loud snoring with pauses, sighs, wheezing.
• Difficulty breathing during sleep, mouth breathing.
• Restless sleep, frequent awakenings, unusual positions (with the head thrown back).
• Daytime symptoms: Irritability, hyperactivity, concentration problems (due to poor sleep quality).

If you suspect apnea in a child, a consultation with an ENT specialist is required and possibly a special sleep study (polysomnography). For general mechanisms, read the article "Sleep apnea".