Your Child’s Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose, and Throat) Visit for Snoring
What is otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat)?
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Clinicians working in otolaryngology treat ear, nose, and throat (ENT) problems.
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ENT clinicians include doctors (who are surgeons), and advanced practice providers (APPs: nurse practitioners and physician assistants).
Why should my child see ENT for snoring?
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Snoring is a sign of a potential breathing problem that happens during sleep.
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Some children who snore regularly have obstructive sleep apnea (breathing pauses during sleep) or a sleep problem occurring even when pauses are not present.
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It is important to see ENT for snoring because we will evaluate your child to see if they have other signs of sleep problems. We can help decide if treatment is needed.
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Both frequent snoring and sleep disordered breathing/obstructive sleep apnea can make it hard for your child to get enough rest. Getting enough rest helps children to learn and grow properly.
What will happen at the ENT visit?
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You will first meet with our advanced practice provider and then with our surgeon to talk about your child.
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We will ask many questions including whether your child has the following symptoms while sleeping:
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Snoring (how loud and how frequent)
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Apnea (a pause in breathing at night for at least 5 seconds)
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Coughing and choking
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Gasping
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Restless sleep (tossing and turning)
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Enuresis (wetting the sleep space)
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Daytime problems: irritability, daytime sleepiness, trouble paying attention, hyperactivity
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We will look at your child’s tonsils (lumps of tissue at the back of the throat).
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We may order an x-ray or may offer to use a camera to see your child’s adenoids (tissue behind the nose). We can use the camera to examine other areas further down the throat to the voice box area.
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We will then talk about whether your child needs to have a sleep study.
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We will also talk about treatment options.
How can I learn more? How do I schedule an ENT visit?
Reviewed February 2024