[Snoring in children. Algorithm for diagnostic approach]

Abstract

Background: Snoring in children is a prevalent symptom and may be an indicator of obstructive sleep apnoea. Despite its importance, there is no national guideline on its appropriate management.

Objective: To provide recommendations for the management of snoring in children and adolescents treated in a primary care setting.

Methods: A total of 16 national paediatric sleep experts were included in a Delphi process and formulated recommendations in the form of a step-wise work-up procedure.

Results: The following 8 steps were developed: (1) Identification of true cases of habitual snoring. (2) Identification of high-risk patients who should undergo polysomnography in a sleep laboratory. (3) Identification of mild cases that may be treated with anti-inflammatory medication. (4) Identification of cases that should be referred to an otorhinolaryngologist for potential surgery. (5) Performance of polysomnography in cases that remain unclear despite steps 3 and 4 to rule out obstructive sleep apnoea. (6) Reconsideration of surgery in cases with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea. (7) Identification of severe sleep apnoea cases requiring continuous positive airway pressure therapy. (8) Identification of cases suitable for orthodontic treatment, craniofacial surgery or speech therapy.

Conclusion: This guideline should help to improve the management of snoring children and adolescents in Germany.