
Babies are a delight, they brighten a home the moment their auspicious feet step into a house. They become the life of the family and everyone at the household fusses about these tiny little bundle of joy. There are small things that babies do which cheer us up like those cute little giggles when they see a teddy bear or their beaming smile when they know where they’re held by their mother or father.
Sometimes things babies do, scare parents to death, like fast breathing. At times these might indicate respiratory issues in newborns, which might be due to pediatric lung diseases. In such cases getting in touch with the best paediatrician in town is advisable.
If the baby seems unwell even to the slightest it is best to consult a child specialist!
Although many a time there’s no need to panic during times because newborns start breathing fast while sleeping and take long pauses between inhalations and exhalations, they even make different noises while breathing.
Coughing is a natural reflex that protects the baby’s lungs by keeping germs out of it. In order to monitor an infant’s breathing, checking over their breathing patterns for a few hours can be useful. Although, it is a matter of concern if the following are observed:
Might be a sign of lung infection or mucus
This issue might require a procedure to remove the mucus from the baby’s nose
This should also be taken very seriously as it is an indication of croup
This could mean that some fluid is in the airways of the body and might cause pneumonia
This could indicate a starting point for asthma or bronchiolitis
This might be due to an allergy
Abnormal breathing in infants can be very scary. However, watching the baby and learning about their normal behavioural patterns is crucial as they help parents understand what is normal for their baby and what is not.
Is fast breathing normal in newborn ?
Is your newborn struggling to breath?
A newborn baby’s respiratory system is still developing, sleep cycles are yet to be set, and metabolism is higher, requiring more oxygen. These reasons can lead to fast breathing in babies. It could also be due to periodic breathing, which is common between 2 and 4 weeks of age.
If your baby is taking more than 60 breaths per minute and making wheezing, whistling, or grunting sounds while sleeping, you need to consult your doctor.
During a vaginal delivery, the baby gets a final squeeze when they come through the birth canal. This squeeze helps clear fluid from their lungs. In C-section births, as this squeeze does not happen, the lungs retain fluid, leading to breathing issues.
The treatment depends on the underlying cause of fast breathing. Your baby may require oxygen therapy, CPAP, or IV fluids to stay hydrated or maintain oxygen levels. In the case of an infection, antibiotics may be given. In some cases, the breathing can improve on its own in about 48 hours.