Posted by Sandman on April 21, 2007 at 15:08:55:In Reply to: 3 year old up for hours! posted by jenniferrose86 on April 21, 2007 at 05:10:15:
Children shouldn't breath through their mouths. Breathing with the mouth open can cause an improper development of the jaw which will effect the airway. It can also cause long face syndrome because the tongue doesn't push against the upper pallet to spread it out and what develops is a high arched pallet which is on of the major causes of sleep apnea.
Also mouth open breathing is an indication of an upper airway resistance problem. Usually due to a problem in the nostrils and/or adenoids/tonsils.
Seeing a pediatric sleep specialist is a good idea. Most likely there will be no need for a sleep study if the physical exam shows any of the above problems. Usually the sleep study, if needed, would occur after treatment of the problem. Depends on what he sees.
Best wishes,
Sandman