Irregular Respiration in the Newborn
We will review this irregular respiration in the newborn because mommies are often anxious regarding the breathing of their newborn babies.
The irregular respiration in the newborn is not unusual.
There are two conditions which are easily confused with each other and these are: apnea and periodic breathing.
Apnea of the newborn is a condition in which the respiratory pause is prolonged that is more than 20 seconds and is associated with decreased heart rate ( 80 beats/ min and below) and there could be change in the skin color of the newborn.
Whereas, periodic breathing is a type of respiratory rhythm wherein the respiratory pause is shorter 5-10 seconds and alternating with breathing movements.
Periodic breathing is benign but apnea in the newborn may lead to central nervous system damage.
Apnea may be present when there is: intracranial Bleeding, Patent Ductus Arteriosus, Pneumonia, Sepsis and Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
It could be observed after seizures or as a consequence, of excess drugs given to the mother.
This irregular respiration in the newborn is one of the conditions that is closely monitored by the pediatricians and the staff in the neonatal intensive care unit.