Health

Can’t Breathe When Asleep? What You Need To Know about Sleep Apnea

Published

5 years ago

January 22, 2021

Restlessness during sleep or waking up multiple times at night could be a sign of an underlying serious sleep disorder. If you find yourself tired even after a full night’s sleep or if your partner complains about your loud snoring while you are asleep, then this could be due to sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening health condition where a person suddenly stops breathing for a few seconds during sleep. It is important to have yourself evaluated by a sleep apnea specialist if you suffer such symptoms and this is more often noticed by your sleep partner. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) increases the risk of high blood pressure while also putting you at risk of heart attacks, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a disorder caused by collapse or closure of your airway where breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep. This interruption can occur from anywhere between 5 to over 100 times in an hour! The pauses in breathing can last between 10 to 20 seconds, and sometimes as long as more than a minute. During sleep apnea, when you stop breathing, no oxygen enters the lungs, causing a drop in the level of oxygen in the blood. This leads to reduced blood oxygen supply to your brain, heart and other vital organs.

Sleep becomes disturbed in patients with sleep apnea which means that they do not get the deep restorative sleep which is needed for mental alertness and clear memory for a productive next day. Abnormal sleep patterns arise, consisting of frequent long pauses in breathing where the patient suddenly goes silent for a while, followed by a sudden loud gasping, choking or snorting episode when they start to breathe again. This becomes a vicious cycle night after night for prolonged periods, sometimes many years before the patient finally decides to seek medical help for his sleep problems. Sleep apnea needs medical intervention as it leads to many health problems and could even be fatal, leading to sudden death during one’s sleep. A person with the condition may not be aware, but anyone sleeping beside him or her can easily recognise the worrying symptoms of sleep apnea. If your partner suspects you are a victim of sleep apnea, then you should consult an ENT specialist without delay.

What are the types of sleep apnea?

The most common is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). During this condition, the inflow and outflow of air from the nose is blocked due to throat muscles relaxing and collapsing inwards while sleeping. This will result in loud snoring with recurrent pauses in breathing, night-time waking and gasping or snorting episodes. Another condition is central sleep apnea where the central nervous system is involved. In central sleep apnea, the brain temporarily stops signalling the muscles responsible for breathing to continue. Some patients may suffer from mixed sleep apnea which is a rare combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

What are the causes of sleep apnea?

There could be many reasons for obstructive sleep apnea. Individuals who are overweight tend to have excess fatty tissue deposited just outside the throat. This causes the pressure on the inside of the throat to increase, especially when lying flat during sleep, causing the airway to collapse and close off. In addition, throat muscles can relax even further due to alcohol or medication use prior to sleep, worsening the airway obstruction. Presence of nasal obstruction from nasal allergies or deviated nasal septum, or enlarged tonsils or jaw deformities may also obstruct the airway. Asthma patients and smokers have a higher chance of sleep apnea. This condition is more common in males than women and it increases with age, although this condition may occur at any age.

What are the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea?

The initial signs are complaints by your partner of loud snoring. Other signs to look out for include:

Headaches in the morning
Fatigue and tiredness throughout the day
Memory loss
Difficulty focusing or concentrating on the task at hand
Sore throat
Dry mouth
Mood and behavioural changes like irritability and bad temper

What are the health problems associated with obstructive sleep apnea?

In addition to impacting your quality of life, this condition can lead to the following health problems:

Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Heart attacks
Stroke
Depression
Dementia
Type II Diabetes
Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias)

Early treatment can minimise the risk of developing heart attacks and strokes as complications of untreated sleep apnea.

How is obstructive sleep apnea diagnosed?

As there are many reasons why an individual might have sleep disturbances, it is not always easy for your family doctor to suspect that you have sleep apnea. A referral is usually made to an ENT doctor to examine the airway for signs of nose or throat narrowing. Taking your sleep partner along can be helpful as he or she will be able to give an insight on your breathing pattern while asleep and snoring episodes.

Your ENT sleep specialist will take a detailed medical history and perform a physical examination of your nose and throat. Your blood pressure and Body Mass Index (BMI) may also be checked. Additional tests like sleep studies may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Polysomnography is a sleep study where your heart, lung and brain activity patterns are measured and oxygen levels monitored while you sleep. Nowadays, most patients usually undergo a home sleep study with a portable device. This used to be done as a hospital-warded procedure where you might have to have yourself monitored all night but a home sleep study can now reliably provide enough good quality sleep data to accurately diagnose and detect sleep apnea.

What is the treatment for obstructive sleep apnea?

First and foremost, your ENT doctor will advise on lifestyle modifications. These include losing weight if you are obese, through a diet and regular exercise regimen. Avoiding alcohol and smoking especially prior to bedtime is strongly recommended. Nasal sprays and antihistamines may be prescribed if you have a blocked nose. If sleep apnea persists even after these measures, then personalised treatment measures will be considered to keep the airways open, with a thorough discussion about CPAP, surgery or a special mouthguard.

In CPAP or continuous positive airway pressure, a special machine delivers pressurised air through the nose and mouth via a fitted mask while the individual is sleeping. These devices help to keep the upper airway passages open while air is continuously pumped in. This prevents the symptoms of snoring and sleep apnea. This is the most widely used method to treat obstructive sleep apnea, but it may not suit everyone. Some people find it uncomfortable and may not attain the right fit. It is important to try different nasal or face masks to find the right fit. Talk to your ENT doctor to check on what suits you the best.

Alternatives to CPAP machines are oral devices or mouthpieces which help to keep the throat open during mild to moderate conditions. Some devices hold the tongue in a different position. Nasal pillow masks are another option if you feel claustrophobic in masks that cover the entire face. Close follow-up helps to achieve successful treatment in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

If none of these conservative methods work, then your sleep apnea specialist will suggest surgery where excess throat tissue will be removed in a procedure called Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). For very severe cases, upper airway stimulation is another method where an impulse generator detects breathing patterns and controls tongue movement but this is rarely used in clinical practice.

There are many treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea. What is important is to meet an experienced ENT physician without delay and discuss a treatment plan if you are diagnosed with sleep apnea. Dr. Annabelle Leong specialises in treating sleep apnea in Singapore and is a great ENT doctor to visit if you are suffering from sleep apnea.

Health

White Boogers in Babies: What They Mean and How to Keep Little Noses Clear

Published

6 days ago

November 4, 2025

Michelle Langton

Spotting white boogers in your baby’s nose can make any parent pause and wonder if something’s wrong. Is it a cold? An allergy? Or just part of being a baby? In most cases, white mucus is perfectly normal—it’s your baby’s way of clearing out dust, dry air, or mild irritants. Unlike adults, babies can’t blow their noses, so even small buildups can make breathing sound stuffy or snuffly.

For safe and effective relief, a nasal aspirator for baby from Momcozy can be your best ally. It helps gently remove mucus without irritating delicate nasal passages, offering comfort and clear breathing in seconds. Understanding what white boogers indicate—and when to worry—helps parents handle congestion with confidence and care.

Just Mucus: What White Snot Tells You About the Nasal Passage

White boogers are often a sign of mild dryness or early-stage congestion. When mucus lacks enough moisture, it thickens and appears cloudy or white instead of clear. This is your baby’s natural defense system working to trap dust, germs, and other particles from the air.

The good news? White mucus typically means your baby’s body is managing irritants effectively. It’s not usually a sign of infection but rather a normal part of mucus production—especially in dry or air-conditioned environments.

The Anatomy of Dryness: Why White Boogers Are Often a Sign of Low Humidity

If your baby wakes up with white or crusty boogers, it may be because the air around them is too dry. Indoor heating, air conditioners, or even fans can lower humidity levels, drying out your baby’s nasal membranes.

Dry air thickens mucus, making it appear opaque or white. This can lead to mild congestion, snoring sounds, or harder boogers around the nostrils. Running a cool-mist humidifier near your baby’s crib helps maintain ideal moisture levels in the air and keeps nasal passages naturally clear and soft.

The Pre-Color Phase: Is White Mucus Just the Beginning of a Cold?

Sometimes, white mucus can indicate the very early stage of a common cold. When a virus first enters your baby’s system, the body produces thicker mucus to trap and remove it. During this phase, mucus may shift from clear to white before becoming yellow or green as immune cells become more active.

If your baby’s only symptom is mild congestion and no fever or fussiness, there’s usually no need to worry. Keep an eye on the mucus color and texture—if it thickens or changes color alongside symptoms like irritability or poor feeding, it might be time to consult your pediatrician.

How to Help: Gently Rehydrating the Nasal Airway with Saline Solution

Rehydrating your baby’s nasal passages is one of the simplest and safest ways to handle white boogers. Saline drops or sprays help loosen thick mucus, making it easier to remove.

Here’s how:

Lay your baby on their back with their head slightly tilted.
Apply one or two drops of saline into each nostril.
Wait about 30 seconds to allow the solution to soften the mucus.
Use a nasal aspirator for baby to gently suction out the mucus.

Repeat this process before feeding or sleep times to ensure your baby can breathe comfortably throughout the day and night.

Boosting the Environment: The Key Role of Humidifiers in Reducing Dry Mucus

A well-hydrated environment does wonders for preventing nasal dryness and white mucus. By maintaining optimal humidity levels (around 40–50%), you help keep your baby’s nasal membranes moist and functional.

Running a humidifier, especially during dry or cold months, is an effective preventive measure. It keeps mucus from hardening, making it less likely for your baby to develop congestion. Pair this with regular cleaning of the humidifier to prevent mold and bacteria growth that could worsen nasal irritation.

The “Milk Crud” Myth: Distinguishing White Mucus from Spit-Up or Formula Residue

Parents often confuse white boogers with dried milk or formula residue—especially if it’s seen near the nostrils or mouth. The difference lies in texture and location.

White mucus tends to be sticky and stretchy, while milk residue looks flaky or chalky. If your baby spits up frequently, it’s possible for small amounts of milk to reach the nasal area, especially during sleep.

Safe Removal Techniques: Getting Stubborn White Boogers Out Without Irritating the Nose

When boogers become hard or stuck, resist the urge to pick them out with your fingers or a cotton swab. This can scratch your baby’s delicate nasal lining and cause bleeding. Instead, soften the area first.

You can do this by:

Applying a few saline drops to loosen the mucus.
Running a steamy shower for a few minutes to let your baby inhale warm moisture.
Using a Momcozy nasal aspirator for baby to gently suction out the softened mucus.
Wiping the outside of the nostrils with a clean, damp cloth.

These steps ensure a safe and gentle cleaning process while avoiding any harm to your baby’s nose.

When to Check In: When White Snot Is Accompanied by Other Concerning Symptoms

White boogers alone are rarely a reason to panic, but if they’re accompanied by other symptoms, it may be time to seek medical advice.

Call your pediatrician if you notice:

Persistent nasal congestion lasting more than a week.
Difficulty breathing or feeding.
Fever or irritability.
Thick white mucus that turns yellow or green with time.

These signs may indicate an infection or allergy that needs professional attention. Always trust your instincts—if your baby seems uncomfortable or their breathing changes, getting checked is the best course of action.

Summary

In most cases, white boogers in babies are simply a sign of dryness or mild congestion, not illness. Your baby’s nose is just doing its job by trapping dust and debris. Keeping the air humid, using saline drops, and clearing mucus gently with a nasal aspirator for baby can prevent discomfort and ensure easy breathing.

However, it’s important to stay observant. If the white mucus persists, thickens, or is paired with symptoms like fever or poor feeding, contact your pediatrician. With regular nasal care, proper hydration, and the right tools, you can keep your baby’s tiny nose clear, healthy, and ready to take in every breath with ease.