Signs to Watch For That May Indicate Your Child Has a Problem
For many parents, noticing their child snore, gasp for breath, or sleep restlessly through the night may be signs of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)—a medical condition in which a blockage of the upper airway causes periodic pauses in breathing during sleep. In addition to these more obvious symptoms, there are subtler signs that may point to an underlying issue, including speech difficulties, bedwetting, a misdiagnosis of or increase in attention deficit disorder (ADD), and overall exhaustion that can lead to behavioral challenges or a diminished sense of well-being. Sioux Falls area mom, Elizabeth noticed several of these symptoms in her five-year-old daughter, Ellery.
At age two, Ellery had ear tubes placed and her adenoids removed to address recurring ear infections. While the surgery resolved the infections, she continued to struggle with sleep and was seeing a speech therapist due to difficulty pronouncing her “k” and “r” sounds—issues caused by her enlarged tonsils.
Deciding to proceed with another surgery to remove Ellery’s tonsils wasn’t easy for Elizabeth and her husband, but the results were remarkable. “We’ve seen incredible improvement since her surgery,” Elizabeth shares. “Before, she would wake up exhausted and irritable. Now, she falls asleep easily, rarely snores and has incredible energy! In the mornings, she’s ready to get up and go. Her speech has also improved tremendously.”
Dr. Greg Danielson of Midwest ENT & Allergy explains, “I tell parents that snoring in children is not normal. If they are snoring, it could be a sign of sleep difficulties. When we’re tired, we can’t concentrate the way we should, and that impacts our mood. The same goes for kids—poor sleep can affect their behavior and well-being.”
If you suspect your child may be having issues related to their tonsils or adenoids, speak with your primary care provider or consult an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for an evaluation. If their tonsils and adenoids are enlarged, a common surgical procedure may significantly improve their breathing and overall health. Dr. Danielson explains, “We’ll examine the ears, nose, and throat. If we’re concerned about enlarged tonsils or adenoids, we’ll discuss the findings and next steps with the family. If they choose to move forward, we coordinate the procedure through our surgical scheduling team.”
The surgery typically takes less than an hour, with a 10–14 day recovery period during which children are advised to avoid high-intensity play due to a small risk of bleeding complications. Elizabeth adds, “Ellery did really well—we kept her distracted with coloring, games, and movies. It’s absolutely worth it to see your child become who they’re meant to be. Her tonsils were holding her back from talking, sleeping, and reaching her potential. Now, seeing her thrive—it’s amazing.”
To schedule a consultation with a specialist at Midwest ENT & Allergy, call 605-336-3503.