Airway
SIGNS YOU OR YOUR CHILD MAY BENEFIT FROM AN AIRWAY ASSESSMENT
Mouth breathing
Snoring or restless sleep
Frequent waking at night
Bed wetting
Daytime fatigue
Crowded teeth or narrow palate
Thumb sucking or prolonged oral habits
Pacifier use
ADHD or anxiety
Difficulty focusing or behavioral concerns
Jaw tension or facial muscle fatigue
If these signs sound familiar, an airway assessment may help identify the underlying cause.
A child sleeping with open mouth
Common Factors That May Contribute to Sleep-Disordered Breathing
Sleep-disordered breathing can develop for a variety of reasons. In many cases, it is not caused by a single issue, but rather a combination of structural, functional, and behavioral factors that affect how the airway develops and functions over time.
Some common contributing factors may include:
Airway and Structural Factors
Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
Narrow palate or underdeveloped jaw
Crowded teeth or limited tongue space
Deviated nasal septum
Chronic nasal obstruction
Tongue or lip tie
Breathing and Functional Patterns
Habitual mouth breathing
Low tongue posture
Improper swallow patterns
Unable to swallow pills
Poor lip seal at rest
Sleep and Behavioral Factors
Poor sleep positioning
Frequent night waking
Light or restless sleep
Daytime fatigue affecting sleep cycles
Environmental and Health Factors
Allergies or chronic congestion
Frequent illness or inflammation
Exposure to dry air or irritants