Hello I can understand your concern as your toddler is experiencing such a thing; breathing troubles + sleep apnea at 16 months are quite serious, and I can only imagine how scary it must be for you and your wife.
I will provide you with safe, evidence-based, and home-supportive measures, but still, please keep collaborating with a pediatric ENT because infants breathing issues should not be without medical supervision.
FIRST AND FORE MOST
Since your son has: Inflamed tonsils & adenoids Fluid in middle ear Persistent nasal obstruction Seep apnea
➡️ This can cause a lack of oxygen and bad sleep, which a pediatric ENT needs to monitor closely.
SHORT TERM RELIEF MEASURES (Safe for toddlers)
1. Steam / Humidifier While sleeping use a cool-mist humidifier in the room It takes away the congestion + breathing gets better.
2. Saline Nasal Spray (Most Efficient) Use a completely neutral isotonic saline nasal drop/spray 2–3 times/day. It helps to remove the mucus and lessens nasal blockage.
3. Gentle Nose Cleaning After saline, use a bulb syringe or NoseFrida to take out the mucus. (This is especially helpful before sleep.)
4. Before bedtime warm bath Helps the nose to breath again.
5. Raise the Head While Sleeping Partly lift the mattress (never put the pillows directly under the head for toddlers). Helps to stop the snoring and the breath holding episodes.
SAFE SUPPORTIVE OPTIONS
1. Honey¼ teaspoon at bedtime Helps the throat to relax & decrease the cough during the night
2. Chamomile Tea (very diluted) 1–2 teaspoons of weak chamomile tea Soothes the inflamed area & assists sleep (Only tiny portions.)
3. Warm coconut oil chest rub With a small pinch of ajwain (carom) heated and strained Helps to get rid of heavy breathing
4. Keep Gut Support Going Good gut health is the foundation of strong immunity & less infections that keep coming. Include: Home-made yogurt Small amounts of ghee Soft fruits Hot soups
WARNING SIGNS THAT NEED IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION
Get immediate help if you observe:
Breathing breaks for more than 10 seconds Lips turning blue Kid waking choking or gasping Poor feeding Daytime sleepiness or irritability Sleep apnea in toddlers is not something to wait on.
You’re Doing the Right Things
What you have already done:
–Reduced allergens –Improved gut health –Reduced tonsil swelling These were major moves.
The breathing problem may be caused by adenoids + nasal blockage, which can hardly be gotten rid of in a short period of time.
There is no doubt that your son can get better without going undergoing surgery but you have to keep his sleep apnea and breathing difficulty under medical supervision.
Meanwhile, take advantage of the humidifier, saline sprays, nasal suction, elevated sleep position, and safe natural remedies.
Warm Regards Dr Snehal Vidhate
Avoid chilled, dairy and bakery products. Steam inhalation twice a day. Increase intake of raw vegetables and fruits. Tab.Bresol 2-0-2 Tab.Septillin 2-0-2 Follow up after 1 week.
