Gina Johnson
Newborn snoring is a common concern for parents, but it is usually harmless and caused by immature breathing pathways or slight nasal congestion. Nasal passages in newborns are tiny, so even a small amount of dryness or extra mucus can cause heavy breathing or snoring. In most cases, snoring in babies is not a sign of something dangerous, but it can sometimes indicate a more serious issue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How common is newborn snoring? | 3% to 9% of infants snore regularly by the age of 3 months. |
| Is it normal? | It is not normal for newborns to snore. |
| What causes newborn snoring? | Small nasal passages, dryness in the nose, extra mucus in the nose, deviated septum, certain genetic conditions, dry sleeping environment, laryngomalacia, sleep apnea |
| When to see a doctor? | If the snoring is loud, chronic, disruptive, or accompanied by other symptoms. |
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What You'll Learn
Newborn snoring is usually harmless
In most cases, newborn snoring is not a sign of something dangerous. However, if your baby is snoring loudly and developing additional symptoms, it is advised to see your doctor to ensure everything is well. If your baby is snoring and stops inhaling and exhaling, even for a little while, then you must take them to the doctor as erratic breathing can adversely affect their internal organs.
If your baby is snoring habitually, they might not be able to sleep properly, and you should seek help as a lack of sleep can affect their health. If your baby is snoring and has other symptoms, you should make sure that those noises aren't an indication of something more serious. If your baby has a stuffy nose, nasal blockages can be cleared up and remedied by using saline drops.
While sleep apnea in newborns is rare, it must be treated by a health professional to avoid potential growth problems. Parents and guardians should consult a pediatrician if their infant snores three or more nights per week or has other symptoms of sleep apnea. Laryngomalacia is another common sleep disorder that can affect a newborn. It is a condition present at birth that causes part of the airway to collapse when breathing in, resulting in stridor or "noisy breathing".
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Snoring and sleep apnea
Although it is uncommon, newborn snoring can occur due to immature breathing pathways or slight nasal congestion. Newborns have tiny nasal passages, so even a small amount of dryness or extra mucus can cause heavy breathing and snoring. In most cases, snoring is not a sign of something dangerous, and is simply a result of noisy breathing.
However, snoring in newborns can sometimes be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterised by repeated stops and starts in breathing, and can be severe and even life-threatening. It is therefore important to know the signs of sleep apnea, and to consult a doctor if you are concerned.
Signs that your newborn may be suffering from sleep apnea include persistent loud snoring, which disturbs their sleep and causes them to feel tired the next day. Other signs include gasping or choking during sleep, and prolonged pauses between breaths. If your baby is snoring habitually, they may not be getting enough sleep, which can be detrimental to their growth and development.
If your baby is snoring, it is recommended that you document the behaviour by taking a video, and then schedule a visit with your paediatrician to discuss your concerns.
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Snoring and laryngomalacia
Laryngomalacia is a common cause of noisy breathing in infants, affecting over half of all newborn babies during their first week of life. The condition is characterised by a softening and floppiness of the tissues above the larynx (voice box), which temporarily blocks the baby's airway when they breathe in. This blockage causes the tissues to vibrate and produce a sound known as stridor, which can be heard during inhalation as a harsh, squeaky, or high-pitched noise. While laryngomalacia can result in noisy breathing that may sound like snoring, it is typically not a cause for concern as most babies with the condition do not experience difficulty breathing or feeding.
The exact causes of laryngomalacia are not fully understood, but several factors have been proposed. One theory suggests that structural abnormalities during fetal development lead to atypical formation of the cartilage or muscles surrounding the voice box. Another possible cause is neuromuscular disorders affecting the vocal cord nerves and muscles. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has also been implicated, as stomach acid reaching the voice box can cause swelling and exacerbate any structural abnormalities.
Diagnosing laryngomalacia typically involves a pediatric ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist performing a flexible laryngoscopy. This procedure involves passing a thin tube with a small camera through the baby's nose or mouth to visualise the airway and vocal cords. Other tests, such as airway fluoroscopy, impedance probe, and microlaryngoscopy with bronchoscopy, may also be utilised to assess the extent of the condition and its impact on the baby's swallowing function.
In most cases, laryngomalacia improves on its own by the time a baby reaches their first birthday. However, if a baby experiences severe breathing problems or poor growth, surgery may be recommended. Supraglottoplasty is a surgical procedure that tightens the floppy tissue above the voice box, improving breathing and feeding. It is performed through the mouth, requiring no incisions, and typically takes less than 15 minutes in the operating room.
While snoring in newborns is generally rare and often attributed to immature breathing pathways or mild nasal congestion, it can sometimes indicate underlying medical conditions. If a newborn snores regularly, especially if accompanied by other symptoms, it is advisable to consult a pediatrician to ensure proper evaluation and management.
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Deviated septum and snoring
A newborn's snoring may be due to a deviated septum, a common condition where the septum, or the cartilage that divides the nose into two nostrils, is shifted to one side. This can occur during pregnancy or delivery and may be a temporary or permanent condition. While a deviated septum can be a concern, it is not always a cause for alarm.
A deviated septum can restrict airflow through the nose, leading to snoring. In newborns, this may be a concern as it can interfere with their ability to breathe and feed properly. Snoring in newborns with a deviated septum may sound different from that of an adult; it may be more high-pitched and accompanied by grunting or nasal flaring. If you notice these symptoms, it is important to consult your pediatrician, especially if your baby is showing signs of distress or breathing difficulties.
The impact of a deviated septum on snoring can vary. In some cases, the deviation may be minor and have no significant effect on breathing or sleep. However, if the septum is severely deviated, it can block one nostril and reduce airflow, leading to louder and more frequent snoring. This obstruction can also make it difficult for your baby to breathe through their nose, causing them to breathe through their mouth instead.
If you suspect your newborn's snoring is due to a deviated septum, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. They may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist who can examine your baby's nose and nasal passages to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options may include observation, medication to manage any inflammation, or, in rare cases, surgery to correct the deviation. While surgery is typically not recommended for newborns, it may be considered if your baby's breathing or feeding is severely affected or if the condition is causing apnea (breathing pauses).
To manage your newborn's snoring at home, ensure that they are sleeping on their back, as this position can help to optimize breathing. Keep their head elevated while sleeping, as this can help to open up the airways and reduce snoring. Additionally, using a humidifier in their room can moisten the air and make it easier for your baby to breathe, potentially reducing snoring.
It is important to monitor your newborn's snoring and breathing patterns and seek medical advice if you have any concerns. While a deviated septum can be a cause of snoring, it is important to rule out other potential issues and ensure your baby is receiving the necessary support for optimal breathing and sleep.
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When to seek medical help
In most cases, newborn snoring is harmless and may be caused by a stuffy nose or dryness in the nasal passages. However, if you are concerned about your baby's snoring, it is always best to consult your doctor or pediatrician. Here are some guidelines on when to seek medical help:
- If your newborn snores regularly, week after week, and it is accompanied by other symptoms, it is advisable to consult your doctor. Newborn snoring, especially if it is loud and persistent, can sometimes indicate a larger issue that needs to be addressed.
- If your baby is a habitual snorer and also has trouble feeding or gaining weight, this may indicate more significant mouth, throat, lung, or cardiac issues.
- If your baby snores and experiences pauses in their breathing, gasping, or choking, it could be a sign of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a potentially serious condition that requires medical attention.
- If your baby has a condition such as laryngomalacia, which can cause a partial blockage of the airway and result in stridor (a wet-sounding, low-pitched sound during inhalation), you should seek medical advice.
- If your baby is snoring and showing signs of respiratory distress, such as flared nostrils, laboured breathing, or changes in skin colour, seek immediate medical attention.
- If your baby is a chronic snorer and you are concerned about their sleep quality or overall health, it is a good idea to consult a pediatrician. Sleep deprivation can negatively impact your baby's growth and development.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns often have noisy breathing, which may sound like snoring. This is usually due to small nasal passages that are easily blocked by dryness or extra mucus. In most cases, snoring is not a sign of something dangerous.
Yes, snoring is common in newborns. Approximately 3% to 9% of infants snore regularly by the age of 3 months.
If your baby is snoring loudly and persistently, has a very high pitch, is disturbed during sleep, or stops breathing, you should consult a doctor.
Possible causes of snoring in newborns include a dry sleeping environment, a deviated septum, and certain genetic conditions such as Down's syndrome.
If your newborn is snoring due to a stuffy nose, you can use saline drops to clear the nasal blockage. If you are concerned about your baby's snoring, consult a pediatrician for advice and treatment options.
