Airway Health Checklists

Early Identification for Better Outcomes

Use these age-specific checklists to identify potential airway and breathing issues. If you recognize several symptoms, we encourage you to schedule an assessment.

How to Use These Checklists

These checklists are designed to help parents and caregivers identify potential signs of airway dysfunction. While not diagnostic tools, they can help you recognize patterns that warrant professional evaluation.

If you check 3 or more items in any age category, we recommend scheduling a comprehensive airway assessment with Dr. Sigal.

Newborn – 6 Months

Early signs in infants including feeding difficulties, noisy breathing, and sleep concerns.

Common Signs & Symptoms:

  • Difficulty latching or staying latched during breastfeeding
  • Clicking sounds while feeding
  • Milk dribbling from mouth during feeds
  • Frequent gas, reflux, or colic
  • Noisy breathing or snoring
  • Mouth breathing while sleeping
  • Restless sleep or frequent waking

6 Months – 2 Years

Developmental milestones and warning signs during the toddler transition.

Common Signs & Symptoms:

  • Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep
  • Open mouth posture during the day
  • Difficulty transitioning to solid foods
  • Picky eating or texture aversions
  • Frequent ear infections
  • Speech delays or unclear speech
  • Restless sleep or night terrors

3 – 5 Years

Preschool age indicators including behavioral and developmental concerns.

Common Signs & Symptoms:

  • Regular snoring (3+ nights per week)
  • Mouth breathing during day or night
  • Bedwetting beyond age 4
  • Hyperactivity or difficulty focusing
  • Dark circles under eyes
  • Crowded teeth or narrow palate
  • Frequent respiratory infections

6 – 12 Years

School-age concerns including academic and behavioral impacts.

Common Signs & Symptoms:

  • Snoring or gasping during sleep
  • Difficulty concentrating at school
  • ADHD-like symptoms
  • Chronic mouth breathing
  • Teeth grinding (bruxism)
  • Crooked or crowded teeth
  • Frequent headaches
  • Bedwetting

13+ Years

Teen and adult indicators that may have been present since childhood.

Common Signs & Symptoms:

  • Chronic fatigue despite adequate sleep
  • Snoring or witnessed breathing pauses
  • Morning headaches
  • TMJ pain or jaw clicking
  • Neck and shoulder tension
  • Anxiety or depression
  • Difficulty with nasal breathing

Concerned about your child's breathing or sleep? Early intervention can make a significant difference.

Schedule an Assessment