Signs Your Child May Have an Undiagnosed Airway Problem

You’re closely attuned to your child’s well-being as a parent and caregiver. You pick up on the little things — snoring, mouth breathing, or difficulty in school. While these issues may seem unrelated, they could all point to something easily overlooked: an undiagnosed airway problem.

Airway issues in children are more common than many parents realize and can affect everything from sleep quality to growth and development. Please continue reading to learn about common signs of undiagnosed airway problems in children, their meaning, and what to do next.

What Is an Airway Problem?

An airway problem occurs when a child cannot breathe properly through their nose or upper airway due to anatomical or functional blockages. These issues can stem from enlarged tonsils or adenoids, nasal obstructions, or a misaligned jaw.

Poor airflow doesn't just make breathing harder — it can interfere with sleep, facial development, and overall health.

Common Signs Your Child May Have an Undiagnosed Airway Issue

Here are some signs to watch for:

● Mouth Breathing

It could be a red flag if your child constantly breathes through their mouth instead of their nose, especially during sleep. Mouth breathing dries out oral tissues and contributes to poor sleep quality. According to research published in the National Library of Medicine, mouth breathing can affect facial development and lead to long-term health issues if left untreated.

● Snoring or Noisy Breathing During Sleep

Snoring is not just an adult problem. It could indicate sleep-disordered breathing or obstructive sleep apnea in children. A study from Yale Medicine notes that about 1% to 5% of children have obstructive sleep apnea, often due to enlarged tonsils or adenoids.

● Restless Sleep or Nighttime Waking

Children with airway problems often toss and turn at night, wake frequently, or sweat excessively during sleep. You may also notice bedwetting or unusual sleeping positions, like keeping the neck open to keep the airway open.

● Daytime Fatigue or Hyperactivity

Sleep disturbances caused by airway issues can result in poor sleep quality, which affects daytime behavior. Some children become sleepy, while others appear hyperactive or have trouble focusing — often misdiagnosed as ADHD. An article in the Child Mind Institute suggests that children with sleep-disordered breathing are more likely to exhibit behavioral issues similar to ADHD.

● Frequent Ear Infections or Sinus Congestion

Recurring ear infections, allergies, or chronic nasal congestion often result from poor nasal airflow or enlarged adenoids, which block normal drainage pathways.

● Speech or Feeding Difficulties

Airway issues may interfere with oral motor development, making it difficult for children to latch, chew, or speak clearly. Difficulties such as speech delays or picky eating often relate to airway function.

Long-Term Effects of Untreated Airway Issues

When left undiagnosed and untreated, airway problems can contribute to:

● Delayed growth or failure to thrive

● Poor academic performance

● Facial development changes (long face, receded chin, narrow jaws)

● Emotional or behavioral struggles

These issues can persist into adulthood if not addressed early.

What You Can Do as a Parent

● Talk to Your Pediatrician

If you’re concerned about your child’s breathing, sleep habits, feeding issues, or speech development, don’t hesitate to bring it up with your pediatrician. Even subtle signs may point to an underlying airway issue. Your pediatrician can perform a physical examination, review your child’s medical and sleep history, and ask targeted questions to better understand what might happen.

Depending on the findings, they may recommend further evaluation by an ENT (ear, nose, and throat specialist) or refer you to a pediatric sleep specialist for additional testing. Early intervention can significantly impact your child’s growth, development, and overall well-being.

● Visit a Pediatric Dentist or Orthodontist

Pediatric dentists and orthodontists play a key role in identifying early signs of airway restriction. During routine dental exams, they often observe indicators such as mouth breathing, crowded teeth, or an underdeveloped jaw, which may point to underlying airway issues.

Many specialists now incorporate airway-focused evaluations into their practice, using advanced screening tools and techniques to assess breathing patterns, jaw development, and oral posture. Early detection through a dental or orthodontic visit can lead to timely referrals and interventions that support healthier growth, better sleep, and improved overall well-being in children.

● Consider a Sleep Study

Suppose your child snores frequently, has restless sleep, gasps for air at night, or shows signs of sleep-disordered breathing such as daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or behavioral issues. In that case, it may be time to consider a sleep study. A sleep study, or polysomnography, is a noninvasive overnight evaluation that monitors brain activity, oxygen levels, heart rate, breathing patterns, and muscle movements during sleep.

A comprehensive assessment can help diagnose obstructive sleep apnea and other sleep-related disorders. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve your child’s overall health, behavior, and quality of life.

Trust Your Gut

No one knows your child like you do. If something feels off, even if the symptoms seem mild or unrelated, it’s worth exploring the possibility of an airway issue. Early intervention can significantly affect your child’s development, sleep, and happiness.

Help Us Promote the Benefits of Airway Health

Join the Foundation for Airway Health in its mission to ensure everyone understands how breathing impacts health and development. Your donation allows us to spread the word about the importance of breathing for overall health, conduct valuable research, and ensure access to care.