Snoring in children is more than an irritating nighttime sound. It can signal partial or complete blockage of the upper airway, affecting sleep quality, behaviour, and growth. In India and elsewhere, enlarged tonsils and adenoids are frequent culprits behind sleep-disordered breathing and habitual snoring in young children.

When conservative measures are insufficient, a surgical approach called adenotonsillectomy often brings lasting relief. This guide explains what parents need to know, drawing on evidence from established medical sources.

Why Snoring Matters in Children

Habitual snoring in children is not uncommon. Estimates suggest that sleep-disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), affects roughly 1–5 per cent of children aged 2–18 years, with snoring often the first sign parents notice. Beyond the disturbance caused by the noise, it can also lead to daytime tiredness, changes in behaviour, learning difficulties and growth pattern changes.

Tonsils and adenoids are lymphoid tissues located at the back of the throat and behind the nose. When they increase in size, they become key contributors to airway narrowing in children. Excessive growth in these tissues leads to a block in airflow while the child sleeps, which leads to snoring, mouth breathing, restless sleep, and sometimes pauses in breathing.

What is Adenotonsillectomy?

An adenotonsillectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the tonsils and adenoids. It is one of the most common paediatric operations worldwide for children with obstructive breathing during sleep. By clearing the extra tissue, the airway widens, facilitating smoother airflow. Research shows that after surgery, many children show measurable improvements in breathing patterns and sleep quality. Several clinical studies indicate that adenotonsillectomy reduces sleep-disordered breathing and leads to fewer pauses in breathing during sleep.

Signs Your Child Might Need Evaluation

If your child shows a combination of these symptoms, that is an indication that it is time for a paediatric ENT evaluation: 

●     Loud or persistent snoring

●     Mouth breathing during sleep

●     Restless sleep or frequent waking

●     Daytime sleepiness or behavioural issues

●     Bedwetting after established bladder control

●     Slow growth or poor weight gain

Parents need to understand that not every child with snoring needs surgery. A detailed assessment, including history and physical examination, sometimes also supported by a sleep study if recommended, helps determine the cause and the best course of action for your child.

What Adenotonsillectomy Offers

If your child’s snoring and sleep-related symptoms stem from enlarged tonsils and adenoids, surgery can offer clear benefits:

●     Improved airway patency: The surgery widens breathing passages and supports unobstructed airflow at night. This controls snoring and other breathing-related issues.

●     Better sleep quality: The parents of the kids with surgery done often report quieter sleep and fewer night-time arousals.

●     Reduced daytime symptoms: Once the airway obstruction is relieved, behaviour, attention, and energy levels are found to improve.

●     Lower healthcare use: In children with mild sleep-disordered breathing, adenotonsillectomy has helped achieve fewer doctor visits and medications over the following year.

However, surgical outcomes can vary according to individual cases. Some residual symptoms have been noticed in children, which are usually managed with follow-ups and supportive care.

Safety and Recovery

• Adenotonsillectomy is typically performed under general anaesthesia and is often a day-care surgery. Complications and recovery would also depend on the child’s age and general health. The risks associated with the procedure are now considerably less, thanks to the advancements in surgical technique and perioperative care

• Normally, after surgery, children experience throat discomfort. Return to normal eating and activities is best resumed slowly and with parents keeping a close watch during the period.

• Parents should be in close communication with the child’s ENT specialist throughout recovery. If dehydration or unusual bleeding is noticed, ensure that it is reported and managed appropriately.

Specialist Care at STAR Hospitals

Our ENT specialists (ear, nose, and throat surgeons) are trained to evaluate childhood airway obstruction and recommend tailored care. Our comprehensive ENT department uses advanced diagnostics such as endoscopy and imaging to pinpoint the cause of airway narrowing, offering the best surgical and non-surgical options for airway clearing in Hyderabad.

Our approach is multidisciplinary, involving audiologists, speech therapists, and paediatricians. This way, we support children’s recovery and address related issues such as recurrent infections or hearing concerns, which sometimes occur alongside airway obstruction.

Final Thoughts

It is normal for parents to be concerned about their child’s snoring or disrupted sleep. Though it is not serious most of the time, some cases may need medical intervention before symptoms worsen. Assessments have to be early and accurate to determine whether enlarged tonsils and adenoids are contributing to airway obstruction.

In appropriate cases, advanced healthcare centres like STAR Hospitals offer adenotonsillectomy, which has proven benefits in improving breathing, sleep, and overall well-being. Act with awareness and gift your child a chance at quieter nights and healthier days. To know more and book an appointment, call 1800-102-7827.