If a baby or newborn has a stuffy nose, you need to see a pediatrician. The doctor should examine the child and find out the reasons for the obstructed nasal breathing. It is strictly forbidden to use nasal vasoconstrictor drops without the appointment of a pediatrician.

Nasal congestion in infants only at first glance seems "commonplace". Newborns and infants should be closely monitored medical professionals... Perhaps the cause of a stuffy nose lies in improper care or is of a physiological nature. But still, it is better to clarify this issue with the doctor.

The importance of nasal breathing

If the baby's nose does not breathe, then there is no full-fledged moisturizing, cleansing, warming of the inhaled air. Such a baby will often get sick with ARVI. But there are other, even more serious consequences of difficulty in nasal breathing.

• For a baby, normal nasal breathing is extremely important. Because he is not physiologically mature enough for full-fledged mouth breathing. In infants up to 6 months, the tongue pushes the cartilage of the larynx back and blocks the movement of air. Prolonged mouth breathing leads to hypoxia - a lack of oxygen, which negatively affects the overall development of the body. It is important to be aware of this and try to resume normal nasal breathing as soon as possible.
• Neurological disorders. Hypoxia can provoke an increase in intracranial pressure, dysfunction of the central nervous system... The baby with difficulty in nasal breathing is capricious, does not sleep well.
• Complications in the ENT organs. Swelling of the mucous membrane and nasal congestion impairs filtration and drainage functions, which leads to the multiplication of pathogenic microflora and inflammation of the middle ear, adenoids, and paranasal sinuses.
• Weight loss. If the baby does not breathe through the nose, feeding turns into torment - the baby cannot suck without interruption, because it suffocates. As a result, the baby becomes restless, eats poorly and does not gain the required body weight. And this entails a number of other dangers in infancy.

Why is the baby's nose stuffy?

It is important to identify the underlying causes of nasal congestion in a nursing infant. This will help to take adequate relief measures.

• Physiological formation of the nasopharyngeal mucosa. After birth, a mucous membrane forms within about 2-3 months. During this period, its swelling persists, the regulation of mucus is disturbed (sometimes there is too much, sometimes very little), and crusts in the nose quickly form.
• ARVI. One of the first respiratory symptoms is a runny nose. Snot can be liquid and flow out of the nose, then nasal breathing is difficult, but still persists. Or there may be thick snot, then the baby has a stuffy nose, the baby grunts, sniffs, gets nervous during feeding. Read more about the treatment of a cold in infants in our other article.
• Dry and hot indoor air. This is especially true during the heating season, when in most residential premises the air temperature rises above 22 ° C, and the average humidity is 30%. These parameters are especially harmful for the delicate and sensitive nasopharyngeal mucosa of infants. With such air, mucus quickly dries up in the nose, crusts form, which make it difficult to breathe through the nose.
• Overheat. In infants, the thermoregulation system is not formed: babies quickly freeze and quickly overheat. A child who is dressed too warmly has increased sweating. This leads to frequent drying out of the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx.
• Nasal congestion during teething. In the process of teething, the mucous membrane of the oral cavity and nasopharynx swells, becomes easily permeable, inflamed. Also, during this period, the child's immunity is weakened, and it is easier for him to catch ARVI, a runny nose and all the ensuing consequences. Therefore, during the period of teething, it is recommended to limit the contact of the baby with other people in order to reduce the risk of infection.
• Household allergens. They talk a lot about them in Lately, but few parents attach great importance to the hygiene of the room. In everyday life, a person is surrounded different types allergens. This is also house dust, in which dangerous mites live. This and household chemicals, and washing powders, and hygiene products, and animal dander.
• Pathology of the nasal passages. Congenital anomalies and narrowing of the nasal passages are fortunately rare. However, they also cannot be ruled out. One of the most common congenital abnormalities- closure, fusion of the choana (exit from the nose into the nasopharynx). In this case, complete or partial nasal obstruction occurs.

To exclude pathologies of the nose and nasopharynx, it is necessary to consult a pediatric otolaryngologist. The first preventive examination at the ENT is recommended after 3 months, then it is repeated at 1 year. But if there are constant signs of obstructed nasal breathing in a newborn or baby up to three months of age, you cannot wait for a planned visit to a specialist.

Why does a baby grunt and sniff when breathing

The respiratory rate in babies is up to 40 times per minute (for example, in an adult - 16 times per minute). Babies breathe irregularly, besides, they snore and even snore. This is a normal physiological phenomenon, which is explained by the swelling and narrowness of the nasal passages. Many mothers are anxious when infant grunts his nose. But in most cases, the answer is comforting: the baby will grow up, the nasal passages will expand, and the baby will breathe soundlessly and rhythmically.

Why there is nasal congestion without snot

Why does the baby have a stuffy nose, but no snot? This is one of the topical, frequently asked questions. There may be several reasons.

• Allergic rhinitis. The absence of snot may indicate an allergic reaction in the baby. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is caused by flowering plants. Household allergens and food allergies can cause persistent nasal congestion.
• Congenital pathologies. Nasal congestion without snot can be associated with the various anomalies of the nasal passages and nasopharynx mentioned above.
• Inflammation of the adenoids. Adenoiditis in infants, although in rare cases, still occurs. Only examination and special diagnostics can confirm this diagnosis.
• Sinusitis. Inflammation of the sinuses occurs as a complication after ARVI, influenza, measles, bacterial infections. In newborns and infants under one year old, ethmoiditis is a type of sinusitis, in which the ethmoid sinus becomes inflamed. The disease progresses and is difficult to treat.

With constant nasal congestion, without signs of acute respiratory viral infections, it is necessary to contact an allergist-immunologist.

Is it necessary to clean the nose of a baby and how to do it

Earlier, nasal cleaning was on the list of must-have and daily hygiene procedures. Today you can find the opposite opinion: once again, do not touch your nose at all if it breathes normally. Even if the baby grunts his nose, this does not mean that the procedure should be carried out immediately. After all, the mucous membrane is a self-cleaning system. On the epithelium of the nasal mucosa, tiny cilia grow, which push out dust and excess mucus. If the air in the room is sufficiently humid and cool, the mucous membrane does an excellent job of cleansing.

Correct cleaning algorithm

With dry and hot air, the baby will immediately form crusts in the nose. They can only be removed mechanically. How to do it correctly?

1. A piece of cotton wool must be twisted into a tube (turundochka, flagellum) about 5 cm long.
2. One end of the turundochka should be wide, and the other narrower.
3. Lightly moisten a cotton ball with boiled water.
4. With the narrow end, insert the turundochka into the nasal passage, carefully turn it and pull it out.
5. If one turundochka is not enough, you need to use the next one.
6. For the other nostril, we make a new turundochka and do the same.
7. If the nasal passages are blocked by dried mucus, you need to drop 2 drops of saline into the nostril, and then clean the nasal passage with a cotton tube.

Instead of boiled water, you can use pharmacy saline solutions or prepare them yourself at home. Also turundochki can be moistened with boiled vegetable oil(olive, peach, almond and others).

What cannot be done?

• Use cotton swabs to cleanse your nose. They are long and wide enough for a small nose. They can injure the mucous membrane and disrupt the structure of the nasal passages.
• Apply concentrated saline solutions. To prepare a homemade solution, you need 1 liter of boiled water and 1 teaspoon of salt. Concentrated solutions can burn and dry out mucous membranes.
• Spray into the nose with aerosols. These drugs are not suitable for small children. Under pressure, the sprayed liquid from the aerosol will enter the middle ear through the auditory tube, which can cause otitis media. Also, small children can not rinse their nose, you can only bury it.
• Observe the depth of entry into the nasal passages. It should not exceed more than 2 cm.

What to do if a baby has a stuffy nose? If this is a symptom of ARVI, the doctor will prescribe appropriate medication and, as an "ambulance" - nasal vasoconstrictor drops. Read more about nose drops for children under one year old in our other article. If the reason is dry air, overheating of the baby or household allergens, then the responsibility lies with the parents.

Nasal congestion in infants is often explained by a banal everyday problem: dry air leads to the formation of crusts in the nose, which makes it difficult to breathe through the nose. But there are also more serious reasons: thick snot with ARVI, complications after viral and bacterial infections, swelling of the mucous membrane with an allergic reaction, pathology of the nasal passages. Only a specialist can assess the condition of the baby and identify the cause of the obstructed nasal breathing.

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Update: November 2018

The birth of a long-awaited baby is a joyful event, but by no means in all cases childbirth ends successfully, not only for the mother, but also for the child. One of these complications is fetal asphyxiation, which arose during childbirth. This complication is diagnosed in 4 - 6% of newly born children, and according to some authors, the frequency of newborn asphyxia is 6 - 15%.

Definition of newborn asphyxia

In Latin, asphyxia means suffocation, that is, lack of oxygen. Asphyxia of newborns is called such pathological condition, in which gas exchange in the body of a newborn is disrupted, which is accompanied by a lack of oxygen in the tissues of the child and his blood and the accumulation of carbon dioxide.

As a result, a newborn who was born with signs of live birth either cannot breathe on its own in the first minute after birth, or he has separate, superficial, convulsive and irregular respiratory movements against the background of an existing heartbeat. Such children are immediately given resuscitation measures, and the prognosis ( possible consequences) with this pathology depends on the severity of asphyxia, the timeliness and quality of resuscitation.

Classification of newborn asphyxia

By the time of occurrence, there are 2 forms of asphyxia:

• primary - develops immediately after the birth of the baby;
• secondary - it is diagnosed within the first days after childbirth (that is, at first the child breathed independently and actively, and then suffocation occurred).

According to the severity (clinical manifestations), there are:

• mild asphyxia;
• moderate asphyxia;
• severe asphyxia.

Factors provoking the development of asphyxia

This pathological condition does not belong to independent diseases, but is only a manifestation of complications of the course of pregnancy, diseases of the woman and the fetus. The causes of asphyxia include:

Fruit factors

• ) The child has;
• Rh-conflict pregnancy;
• anomalies in the development of the organs of the bronchopulmonary system;
• intrauterine infections;
• prematurity;
• intrauterine growth retardation;
• blockage of the airways (mucus, amniotic fluid, meconium) or aspiration asphyxiation;
• malformations of the heart and brain of the fetus.

Maternal factors

• severe, occurring against a background of high blood pressure and severe edema;
• decompensated extragenital pathology (cardiovascular diseases, diseases of the pulmonary system);
• pregnant women;
• endocrine pathology (, ovarian dysfunction);
• shock of a woman during childbirth;
• disturbed ecology;
• bad habits (smoking, alcohol abuse, drug use);
• inadequate and inadequate nutrition;
• taking medications contraindicated during gestation;
• infectious diseases.

Factors contributing to the development of disorders in the uteroplacental circle:

• post-term pregnancy;
• premature aging of the placenta;
• premature placental abruption;
• pathology of the umbilical cord (cord entanglement, true and false nodes);
• permanent threat of interruption;
• and bleeding associated with it;
• multiple pregnancy;
• excess or lack of amniotic fluid;
• abnormalities of labor forces (and discoordination, rapid and impetuous labor);
• injecting drugs less than 4 hours before the completion of labor;
• general anesthesia of a woman;
• rupture of the uterus;

Secondary asphyxia is provoked by the following diseases and pathology in a newborn

• impaired cerebral circulation in a child due to residual effects of damage to the brain and lungs during childbirth;
• heart defects not identified and not immediately manifested at birth;
• aspiration of milk or mixture after the feeding procedure or poor-quality sanitation of the stomach immediately after birth;
• respiratory distress syndrome due to pneumopathies:
  • the presence of hyaline membranes;
  • edematous hemorrhagic syndrome;
  • pulmonary hemorrhage;
  • atelectasis in the lungs.

The mechanism of development of asphyxia

It does not matter what caused the lack of oxygen in the body of a newly born child, in any case, metabolic processes, hemodynamics and microcirculation are rearranged.

The severity of the pathology depends on how long and intense the hypoxia was. Due to metabolic and hemodynamic rearrangements, acidosis develops, which is accompanied by a lack of glucose, azotemia and hyperkalemia (later hypokalemia).

With acute hypoxia, the volume of circulating blood increases, and with chronic and subsequent asphyxia, the volume of blood decreases. As a result, the blood thickens, its viscosity increases, and the aggregation of platelets and erythrocytes increases.

All these processes lead to a disorder of microcirculation in vital organs (brain, heart, kidneys and adrenal glands, liver). Microcirculation disorders cause edema, hemorrhage and ischemic foci, which leads to hemodynamic disturbances, functional disorders of cardio-vascular system, and as a consequence, all other systems and organs.

Clinical picture

The main symptom of asphyxia in newborns is a violation of breathing, which entails a malfunction of the cardiovascular system and hemodynamics, and also disrupts neuromuscular conduction and the severity of reflexes.

To assess the severity of the pathology, neonatologists use the Apgar score of the newborn, which is carried out in the first and fifth minutes of the child's life. Each feature is estimated at 0 - 1 - 2 points. A healthy newborn gets 8 - 10 points on Apgar in the first minute.

The degree of asphyxia of newborns

Light asphyxia

With mild asphyxia, the Apgar score for a newborn is 6 - 7. The child takes the first breath during the first minute, but there is a weakening of breathing, a slight acrocyanosis (cyanosis in the area of ​​the nose and lips) and a decrease in muscle tone.

Moderate asphyxia

The Apgar score is 4 - 5 points. There is a significant weakening of breathing, its disturbances and irregularities are possible. Heartbeats are rare, less than 100 per minute, cyanosis of the face, hands and feet is observed. Is increasing physical activity, muscular dystonia develops with a predominance of hypertonia. Tremor of the chin, arms and legs is possible. Reflexes can be either decreased or increased.

Severe asphyxia

The condition of the newborn is severe, the Apgar score in the first minute does not exceed 1 - 3. The child does not make breathing movements or makes separate breaths. Heartbeats less than 100 per minute, pronounced, deaf and arrhythmic heart sounds. A cry in a newborn is absent, muscle tone is significantly reduced or muscle atony is observed. The skin is very pale, the umbilical cord does not pulsate, reflexes are not detected. Eye symptoms appear: nystagmus and floating eyeballs, the development of seizures and cerebral edema, DIC syndrome (violation of blood viscosity and increased platelet aggregation) is possible. Hemorrhagic syndrome (multiple hemorrhages on the skin) increases.

Clinical death

A similar diagnosis is made when evaluating all Apgar indicators at zero points. The condition is extremely serious and requires immediate resuscitation measures.

Diagnostics

When making the diagnosis: "Asphyxia of the newborn", the obstetric history data, how the childbirth proceeded, the Apgar score of the child in the first and fifth minutes, and clinical and laboratory studies are taken into account.

Determination of laboratory parameters:

• pH level, pO2, pCO2 (study of blood obtained from the umbilical vein);
• determination of the deficiency of bases;
• the level of urea and creatinine, urine output per minute and per day (work of the urinary system);
• the level of electrolytes, acid-base state, blood glucose;
• ALT, AST, bilirubin levels and blood clotting factors (liver function).

Additional methods:

• assessment of the cardiovascular system (ECG, blood pressure control, pulse, chest x-ray);
• assessment of neurological status and the brain (neurosonography, encephalography, CT and NMR).

Treatment

All newborns born in a state of asphyxia are given immediate resuscitation measures. The further prognosis depends on the timeliness and adequacy of the treatment of asphyxia. Resuscitation of newborns is carried out according to the ABC system (developed in America).

Primary care for a newborn

Principle A

• ensure the correct position of the child (lower your head, placing a roller under the shoulder girdle and tilt it back slightly);
• suck mucus and amniotic fluid from the mouth and nose, sometimes from the trachea (with aspiration of amniotic fluid);
• intubate the trachea and scan the lower airways.

Principle B

• carry out tactile stimulation - a slap on the child's heels (if there is no cry for 10-15 seconds after birth, the newborn is placed on the resuscitation table);
• oxygen supply by jet;
• the implementation of auxiliary or artificial ventilation of the lungs (Ambu bag, oxygen mask or endotracheal tube).

Principle C

• performing an indirect heart massage;
• administration of drugs.

The decision on the termination of resuscitation measures is carried out after 15 - 20 minutes, if the newborn does not respond to resuscitation actions (there is no breathing and persistent bradycardia persists). The termination of resuscitation is due to the high likelihood of brain damage.

Administration of drugs

Cocarboxylase diluted with 10 ml of 15% glucose is injected into the umbilical vein against the background of artificial ventilation (mask or endotracheal tube). Also, 5% sodium hydrogen carbonate is injected intravenously to correct metabolic acidosis, 10% calcium gluconate and hydrocortisone to restore vascular tone. If bradycardia appears, 0.1% atropine sulfate is injected into the umbilical vein.

If the heart rate is less than 80 per minute, chest compressions are performed with mandatory continuation of mechanical ventilation. 0.01% -adrenaline is injected through the endotracheal tube (possibly into the umbilical vein). As soon as the heart rate has reached 80 beats, the cardiac massage stops, mechanical ventilation is continued until the heart rate reaches 100 beats and spontaneous breathing appears.

Further treatment and follow-up

After the provision of primary resuscitation care and restoration of cardiac and respiratory activity, the newborn is transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU). In the PIT, further therapy for asphyxia of the acute period is carried out:

Special care and feeding

The child is placed in an incubator, where constant heating is carried out. At the same time, craniocerebral hypothermia is performed - the head of the newborn is cooled, which prevents. Feeding babies with light and medium asphyxia begins no earlier than 16 hours later, and after severe asphyxia, feeding is allowed every other day. The baby is fed through a tube or bottle. The attachment to the breast depends on the condition of the baby.

Prevention of cerebral edema

Albumin, plasma and cryoplasma, and mannitol are injected intravenously through the umbilical catheter. Also, drugs are prescribed to improve the blood supply to the brain (cavinton, cinnarizine, vinpocetine, sermion) and antihypoxants (vitamin E, ascorbic acid, cytochrome C, aevit). Hemostatic drugs are also prescribed (dicinone, rutin, vicasol).

Oxygen therapy

The supply of humidified and warmed oxygen continues.

Symptomatic treatment

Therapy is carried out aimed at preventing seizures and hydrocephalic syndrome. Anticonvulsants are prescribed (GHB, phenobarbital, relanium).

Correction of metabolic disorders

The intravenous administration of sodium bicarbonate continues. Infusion therapy is carried out with saline solutions (saline and 10% glucose).

Newborn monitoring

Twice a day, the child is weighed, the neurological and somatic status and the presence of positive dynamics are assessed, the inflowed and released fluid (diuresis) is monitored. The devices record heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, central venous pressure. From laboratory tests, a general blood test with and platelets, acid-base state and electrolytes, blood biochemistry (glucose, bilirubin, AST, ALT, urea and creatinine) are determined daily. Blood clotting and tank indicators are also assessed. cultures from the oropharynx and rectum. Shown are chest and abdominal X-ray, ultrasound of the brain, ultrasound of the abdominal organs.

Consequences

Asphyxia of newborns rarely goes away without consequences. To one degree or another, the lack of oxygen in a child during and after childbirth affects all vital organs and systems. Particularly dangerous is severe asphyxia, which always occurs with multiple organ failure. The prognosis for a baby's life depends on the degree of Apgar score. In the case of an increase in the score at the fifth minute of life, the prognosis for the child is favorable. In addition, the severity and frequency of the development of the consequences depend on the adequacy and timeliness of the provision of resuscitation measures and further therapy, as well as on the severity of asphyxia.

The frequency of complications after suffering from hypoxic conditions:

• at I degree of encephalopathy after hypoxia / asphyxia of newborns - the development of the child does not differ from the development of a healthy newborn;
• at the II degree of hypoxic encephalopathy - 25 - 30% of children later have neurological disorders;
• with grade III hypoxic encephalopathy, half of the children die during the first week of life, and the rest in 75 - 100% develop severe neurological complications with convulsions and increased muscle tone (late mental retardation).

After suffering asphyxia during childbirth, the consequences can be early and late.

Early complications

Early complications are spoken of when they appeared during the first 24 hours of a baby's life and, in fact, are manifestations of a difficult course of childbirth:

• cerebral hemorrhage;
• convulsions;
• and hand tremor (first small, then large);
• apnea attacks (respiratory arrest);
• meconium aspiration syndrome and, as a result, the formation of atelectasis;
• transient pulmonary hypertension;
• due to the development of hypovolemic shock and blood thickening, the formation of polycythemic syndrome (a large number of red blood cells);
• thrombosis (blood clotting disorder, decreased vascular tone);
• cardiac arrhythmias, the development of posthypoxic cardiopathy;
• disorders of the urinary system (oliguria, thrombosis of the renal vessels, edema of the interstitium of the kidneys);
• gastrointestinal disorders (and intestinal paresis, dysfunction of the digestive tract).

Late complications

Late complications are diagnosed after three days of the child's life and later. Late complications can be infectious and neurological in origin. The neurological consequences that appeared as a result of the transferred brain hypoxia and posthypoxic encephalopathy include:

• Hyperexcitability syndrome

The child has signs of increased excitability, pronounced reflexes (hyperreflexia), dilated pupils,. There are no convulsions.

• Reduced excitability syndrome

Reflexes are poorly expressed, the child is lethargic and adynamic, muscle tone is low, dilated pupils, a tendency to lethargy, there is a symptom of "doll" eyes, breathing periodically slows down and stops (bradypnea alternating with apnea), a rare pulse, a weak sucking reflex.

• Convulsive syndrome

Characterized by tonic (tension and rigidity of the muscles of the body and limbs) and clonic (rhythmic contractions in the form of twitching of individual muscles of the arms and legs, face and eyes) convulsions. Opercular paroxysms also appear in the form of grimaces, gaze spasms, attacks of unmotivated sucking, chewing and protruding tongue, floating eyeballs. Possible attacks of cyanosis with apnea, rare pulse, increased salivation and sudden pallor.

• Hypertensive-hydrocephalic syndrome

The child throws back his head, fontanelles bulge, cranial sutures diverge, head circumference increases, constant convulsive readiness, loss of cranial nerve functions (strabismus and nystagmus are noted, smooth nasolabial folds, etc.).

• Syndrome of vegetative-visceral disorders

Characterized by vomiting and constant regurgitation, frustration motor function intestines (constipation and diarrhea), marbling of the skin (spasm of blood vessels), bradycardia and infrequent breathing.

• Movement disorder syndrome

Residual neurological disorders (paresis and paralysis, muscle dystonia) are characteristic.

• Subarachnoid hemorrhage
• Intraventricular hemorrhage and hemorrhage around the ventricles.

Possible infectious complications (due to weakened immunity after suffering multiple organ failure):

• development ;
• damage to the dura mater ();
• the development of sepsis;
• intestinal infection (necrotizing colitis).

Question answer

Question:
Does a baby who suffers from birth asphyxia need special care after discharge?

Answer: Oh sure. Such children need especially careful supervision and care. Pediatricians, as a rule, prescribe special gymnastics and massage, which normalize anxiety, reflexes in the baby and prevent the development of seizures. The child must be provided with maximum rest, giving preference to breastfeeding.

Question:
When is discharged from the hospital after asphyxiation of a newborn?

Answer: You should forget about early discharge (2 - 3 days). The baby will be in the maternity ward for at least a week (an incubator is required). If necessary, the baby and mother are transferred to the children's department, where the treatment can last up to a month.

Question:
Are newborns who have undergone asphyxia subject to dispensary observation?

Answer: Yes, all children who have suffered asphyxiation during childbirth must be registered with a pediatrician (neonatologist) and neurologist.

Question:
What consequences of asphyxia are possible in a child at an older age?

Answer: Such children are prone to colds due to weakened immunity, they have reduced school performance, reactions to some situations are unpredictable and often inadequate, psychomotor developmental delay, speech lag are possible. After severe asphyxia, epilepsy, convulsive syndrome often develop, oligophrenia is not excluded, and paresis and paralysis.

A newborn baby is a source of happiness and joy for his parents and grandparents. And at the same time, it is the cause of constant anxiety and anxiety: is everything all right with the baby, who himself cannot say about his condition. A smile or cry, deep restful sleep, temperature, skin color become the object of close attention. Various signs tell adults that everything is in order with the child or, conversely, he needs help.

Baby's breathing is one of the important symptoms of baby's well-being.

How does a healthy child breathe?

The baby's respiratory system is formed approximately seven years after birth. During the formation of the respiratory system, babies are characterized by shallow breathing. Inhalation-exhalation of healthy children is frequent, shallow. Frequent, rapid breathing should not worry the parents. After all, it is a feature of the respiratory system of children.

Parents can count the number of breaths in and out of the baby per minute to correlate with normal breathing. Please note: with age and, accordingly, the degree of development of the respiratory system, the indicators of normal breathing change, the child begins to breathe more calmly:

• 1-2 weeks of life - from 40 to 60 breaths in and out;
• From 3 weeks to 3 months - from 40 to 45 breaths and exhalations;
• 4 - 6 months of life - from 35 to 40 breaths and exhalations;
• 7 - 12 months of life - from 30 to 36 breaths in and out.

The counting is done while the child is sleeping. For accurate counting, the adult places his warm hand on the infant's chest.

Heavy breathing is a sign of malaise

Loving adults notice any changes not only in the behavior of the baby. They pay no less attention to how the baby breathes. Heavy breathing in a baby should alert others. Especially when it is accompanied by a change in the usual rhythm and frequency of inhalation and exhalation, it becomes confusing. Often this is complemented by specific sounds. By moans, whistling, wheezing, it also becomes clear that the baby's condition has changed.

If the baby's breathing rate is disturbed, changes in the depth of inhalation and exhalation are noticeable, there is a feeling that the baby does not have enough air, which means that the child has shortness of breath.

Consider what may be causing the baby to have difficulty breathing and causing shortness of breath.

The atmosphere in the nursery is a guarantee of the baby's health

When it comes to creating a comfortable environment for a newborn, many mothers and even grandmothers make some mistakes. Having ensured sterile cleanliness, they do not always attach importance to the observance of the desired air regime. But the developing respiratory system of the baby requires compliance with certain conditions.

Compliance with the required air humidity

Excessively dry air will cause the newborn's mucous membranes to dry out, leading to heavy breathing with possible wheezing. The child breathes calmly and easily when the humidity in the room reaches 50 to 70%. To achieve this, it is necessary not only to frequently perform wet cleaning, but also to specially humidify the air. Aquariums with water are good for this, but if not, fill any container with clean water.

But from the carpets, a large number books, houseplants, it is better to refuse: they can become a source of allergies and lead to heavy breathing of the child.

Clean air is the norm for a baby

There is no doubt in any of the adults that the baby should breathe clean air. Systematic ventilation of the room will fill the children's freshness. Equally important is not only close to the child (even on a walk), but also communication with the baby immediately after a cigarette. A child who is involuntarily forced to inhale tobacco smoke or air mixed with tobacco tar has breathing problems.

But even under ideal conditions, babies' breathing often becomes difficult.

Causes of heavy breathing

Experts name several main reasons for heavy breathing in newborns:

1. Disease;
2. Allergy;
3. Foreign body.

In each case, heavy breathing is accompanied by additional manifestations that help to more accurately determine the reason that the child is breathing heavily. Having identified what led to heavy breathing in each case, medical specialists prescribe a comprehensive treatment.

We will tell you about each reason in more detail so that the parents of the baby can timely and correctly respond to changes in the baby's breathing.

Foreign body

Every day, a healthy baby, growing up and developing, becomes more active and mobile. Getting acquainted with the world around him, he examines the world around him with curiosity, manipulates objects that are in his palms. An adult is required to be extremely collected and attentive and not to allow small objects to fall into the child's hands.

Often it is they who become the causes of the baby's heavy breathing. Once in the baby's mouth, they can then move into the respiratory tract during inhalation, becoming an obstacle to the air flow.

It is also dangerous for small parts to enter the baby's nasal cavity. His breathing becomes hard, wheezing appears, sometimes quite strong. If the child a few minutes before was healthy and played cheerfully, and then breathed with heavy wheezing, possible reason changes became a foreign body in the nasopharynx.

The main thing that parents should remember in this case: do not waste time, wait for everything to "pass by itself" and the baby will return to the game. An immediate appeal to a specialist is the right decision!

Allergy

Young parents may be surprised when experienced grandmothers, noticing that the baby is breathing heavily, ask if the baby has allergies. Don't be surprised. Indeed, in addition to such manifestations of food or other factors environment like redness of the skin, peeling, rashes, allergies can also be a problem for the normal functioning of the respiratory system.

Heavy breathing with wheezing, shortness of breath, tears, constant transparent discharge from the nose is a reason to urgently consult a pediatrician. Allergies are dangerous and insidious not only for their sudden onset, but also for their very rapid development. It is impossible to hesitate in clarifying the diagnosis - allergy is not colds, without timely help, the baby may experience a state of shock.

Disease

In addition to a foreign object that has entered the respiratory system and an allergic reaction, a variety of colds and infectious diseases are accompanied by heavy breathing of the baby.

Colds

Often, even a small cold illness (colds, acute respiratory viral infections, bronchial lesions) becomes the cause of shortness of breath in a small child. The mucus that accumulates during coughing and a runny nose clogs the narrow nasal passages, the baby begins to breathe more often, inhales and exhales through the mouth.

Asthma

Inflammation of the airways, known as asthma, is no coincidence in Greek for suffocation. An adult notices that the baby is breathing with difficulty, there is a feeling that the baby does not have enough air. This is due to the fact that the child takes a small breath and exhales air for a long time. During physical activity or during sleep, an attack of severe coughing may occur.

Pneumonia

A serious illness, which is a serious problem for adults as well, becomes a real challenge for newborns. The sooner the professionals take up the treatment, the faster the baby will recover. Therefore, a mother should immediately call a doctor if she notices signs of illness. Inflammation of the lungs is characterized by heavy breathing of the baby, accompanied by a severe cough.

The general condition of the baby is also indicative of a serious illness. The temperature rises, sick children become noticeably paler, in some cases the child refuses breast milk or other food, becomes restless.

Other children continue to suckle, albeit sluggishly, but at the same time the mother should be alerted by such a change in the skin. The triangle formed by the nose and lips of the baby takes on a bluish tint, especially during feeding or when the baby cries. This is evidence of oxygen starvation. And at the same time - an indication of the need for urgent intervention of specialists.

Helping a child who breathes heavily

Occurring in children with various diseases shortness of breath requires the advice and intervention of medical professionals. What can the parents of the baby do when the doctor has already been called, but is not yet near the baby.

First, calm down so as not to transmit your anxiety to the little person.

And secondly, try to calm down the baby, because in a calm state it will not be so difficult for him to breathe. To do this, you can perform the following procedures:

Ventilation of the room

Fresh air will make breathing easier for the newborn.

Ensuring freedom of movement

If the child is dressed, it should be ensured that he can move and breathe freely. It is better to take off tight, constricting clothes, or at least unbutton them.

Washing

Washing is helpful for many children. The water should be comfortable, preferably cool water that is pleasant for the baby.

Drink

You can give your child a drink. In many cases, with heavy breathing in children, the mouth becomes dry, the liquid will relieve this symptom.

The pediatrician will determine the causes of the baby's heavy breathing and make the necessary appointments. Finding out why your baby began to breathe heavily and having received recommendations to alleviate the child's condition, you can help him. Strict adherence to the procedures prescribed by the doctor will restore your baby to breathing freely, he will continue to delight you every day.

Being born is a great stress for a newborn, because he is no longer under the protection of his mother's tummy and he will have a difficult period of adaptation to the new world around him. And in order to gain strength for full development and normal growth, the baby sleeps almost all the time for the first weeks of his life. Happy parents always watch with affection the serene sleep of their baby, following his movements and every breath.

Why does a newborn make sounds in a dream

And often moms and dads notice that the baby's breathing in a dream is rather irregular, and besides, newborns often make strange sounds, such as puffing or grunting. In this regard, parents are worried about the questions - what is the rate of breathing of the baby is considered the norm and why does he groan, snort and even moan in his sleep?

How the respiratory system works in babies

After the birth of a baby, all his organs and systems are only at the stage of full development and it is very important that the baby's body receives during this period enough oxygen.

Therefore, the respiratory system of the baby is of particular importance, because it provides air flow to all vital systems and organs.

Have infant the respiratory system works differently from that of an adult, since his lower and upper airways are still very small and the infant cannot breathe deeply deeply.

It is for this reason that many parents often observe a frightening picture of them when a newborn breathes frequently in a dream, and with the next breath holds his breath for a few seconds... This is because the baby in the first month of his life still does not know how to control the respiratory process and for him such a pace is the norm.

Starting from the second month, the baby's breathing becomes more regular and systematic, since his respiratory system is already more adapted to the environmental conditions.

How to determine your breathing rate

Determining the pace and frequency of breathing of an infant is one of the primary tasks of new parents.

Because the baby's breath is a kind of indicator of his state of health and by the frequency of inhalation and exhalation, you can notice when the baby has problems with this process.

Intermittent rapid breathing in the first month of a newborn's life is normal.

Uneven breathing

Irregular breathing in infants is especially noticeable. . Observing a sleeping baby, inexperienced mothers always think that he does not have enough oxygen or he begins to suffocate, as he takes short, frequent breaths.

There is absolutely no reason for panic, because the baby is still able to breathe exclusively with his nose, and his nasal passages have not yet fully formed.

Respiration rate

In the first few months of a newborn's life, his breathing rate is fifty to sixty breaths per minute ... This method will help to determine whether the baby's pace is correct: the mother should put her hand on his chest, measure the time and count how many breaths her baby took in one minute.

If the baby's respiration rate corresponds to the specified norm, then there is no reason for concern for the parents. But, if the parents noticed that the pace of his breathing is deviated in one direction or another, then it is advisable to consult a pediatrician about this.

A failure in the baby's respiratory system can signal dangerous diseases such as bronchitis or pneumonia, which is why it is so important for parents to control the pace, rhythm and frequency of his breathing, especially during sleep.

Why do babies breathe faster during sleep?

Rapid breathing in newborns while they are awake can be caused by strong interest in a bright toy or physical activity, for example, during gymnastic exercises. And why does a baby often breathe in a dream, when it would seem his body is in a relaxed state?

Newborn babies cannot breathe fully and deeply, since they have very narrow nasal passages. Therefore, if even microscopic dust particles get into the baby's nose, then his breathing becomes difficult and rapid.

To prevent the accumulation of mucus and debris in the child's nasal sinuses, you should clean them gently every day via cotton swab dipped in baby oil.

Frequent and uneven breathing

If, during rapid breathing, the baby makes wheezing or whistling sounds, then this may be a sign of developing pneumonia or bronchitis .

Parents should pay attention to the fact that a child can sleep with an open mouth. Sometimes an open mouth during sleep indicates that the baby is hot. due to increased temperature and in this way he tries to restore normal thermoregulation.

Frequent and uneven breathing of a newborn baby in a dream may be the first sign of bronchial asthma, therefore, with such symptoms, it is necessary to do a full range of examinations and pass the appropriate tests.

The reasons why a baby makes a variety of sounds in a dream

Often, parents, standing by the bed of a sleeping baby, notice that his calm, serene sleep is interrupted by strange sounds, such as snorting, snoring, grunting and even grunting... Why does the baby make different sounds in his sleep and is such a phenomenon considered the norm?

If the child moans or cries in a dream, then, perhaps, in this way he is trying to throw out the negative emotions that he experienced during the day. But it is also likely that the baby had an unpleasant dream, because it has long been proven that newborns are able to see vivid and realistic dreams.

Snore

Sometimes a newborn makes characteristic sounds in a dream, reminiscent of snoring or snorting of an angry hedgehog... This is very exciting and frightening for young parents, but don't worry... Such sounds are caused by the vibration of the larynx, which in infants is very soft and can sink into the throat when inhaling.

You can stop snoring by gently turning the baby over onto its tummy.

Purr

The sounds made by a baby in a dream that resemble the purr or trill of a songbird... And also a newborn can smack his lips while sleeping, while smiling and jerking his arms and legs.

This is due to the fact that babies often experience in their sleep exactly those emotions that filled the past day. They dream about how their mother fed them, how she smiled and sang a lullaby.

Newborn grunts

But when the newborn groans in sleep , while pressing the legs to the tummy, this may be a signal that the baby is suffering from colic and abdominal cramps. To relieve these symptoms should be helped to reduce bloating and relieve pain.

Different sounds emitted by babies are often not a cause for concern, so parents should not look for non-existent medications to treat snoring or snorting. When the baby grows up, and his respiratory system is fully formed, everything will return to normal.

A few rules for restful sleep of a baby

In order for the sleep of a newborn baby to be calm and he only dreamed of pleasant vivid dreams, it is advisable for parents to create the most comfortable conditions for him.

• Pajamas for babies should be made of natural material and be loose fit so as not to hinder the movement of the baby.
• The room in which the newborn sleeps must be regularly ventilated and monitored optimal air humidification .
• The first mattress of the baby should be harsh rather than soft like a feather bed. In addition, pillows should not be placed in the crib.
• While the baby is sleeping, parents should constantly visit him in order to monitor has the baby thrown a blanket over his head? and whether he is face down.
• In the first months of a baby's life should sleep on their side or back , not on the tummy. When the baby sleeps on his stomach, his breathing quickens and then the parents think that he begins to choke.

conclusions

A baby sleeping and smiling in a dream is the most beautiful sight for loving parents... And so that the dreams of a little baby are filled with only pleasant moments, do not forget to give him affection, love, tenderness and care, which he so needs.

Video about why a newborn grunts

Asphyxia of newborns is a critical condition characterized by impaired gas exchange: an insufficient amount of oxygen is supplied to the child, and an excess of carbon dioxide accumulates in his body. Asphyxia is manifested by the absence or weakening of breathing with the preserved work of the heart. In about 4-6% of births, newborn asphyxia is diagnosed.

Causes

Doctors distinguish between 2 types of asphyxia:

1. primary, appears at the moment the child is born;
2. secondary, the newborn suffocates or stops breathing several hours or days after birth.

Primary asphyxia

It appears due to chronic or acute intrauterine oxygen deficiency. We list the reasons for the development of such a condition:

• failure of the child's breathing (intrauterine brain damage by infection, abnormal development of the lungs, a consequence of the woman's drug treatment);
• insufficient oxygen supply to the blood of a pregnant woman (thyroid disease, diabetes mellitus, respiratory system disease, cardiovascular pathology, anemia);
• circulatory disorder in the placenta (dysfunction of labor, increased blood pressure in a pregnant woman);
• disorder of gas exchange in the placenta (presentation or premature placental abruption);
• sudden cessation of blood flow in the umbilical cord (repeated entanglement of the umbilical cord around the baby's neck, tightening of the umbilical cord).

Also, the cause of asphyxia of a newborn can be:

• complete or partial blockage of the airways amniotic fluid, meconium, mucus;
• Rh-conflict between mother and child;
• intracranial injury of the newborn.

Secondary asphyxia

It can happen for the following reasons:

• immaturity of the lungs in premature babies;
• pneumopathy;
• congenital malformation of the brain, heart, lungs;
• aspiration of the respiratory tract with vomit;
• circulatory disorder in the brain.

Signs and degrees of asphyxia

The main symptom of asphyxia in a newborn is breathing disorder, which leads to impaired blood circulation and heart rhythm, which weakens reflexes and worsens neuromuscular conduction.

To assess the severity of asphyxia, the Apgar scale is used, which takes into account the following criteria: reflex excitability, muscle tone, skin color, respiratory movements, heart rate. Depending on how many points the newborn scored on the Apgar scale, doctors distinguish 4 degrees of asphyxia.

1. Mild degree... According to Apgar, the child's condition is estimated at 6-7 points. The newborn takes its first spontaneous breath within the first minute after birth. But the child's breathing is weak, the cyanosis of the nasolabial triangle is visible, the muscle tone is reduced. Reflex irritability is present: the baby coughs or sneezes.
2. Medium degree... Apgar score 4-5 points. The newborn takes the first breath in the first minute, but breathing is irregular, very weak, the cry is weak, the heartbeat is slow. There is also a cyanosis of the face, hands, feet of the child, a grimace on his face, muscle tone is weak, the umbilical cord pulsates.
3. Severe degree... The Apgar state is estimated at 1-3 points. Breathing is irregular and infrequent, or none at all. The newborn does not cry, reflexes are absent, heart contractions are rare, muscle tone is weak or absent, the skin is pale, the umbilical cord does not pulsate.
4. Clinical death... Apgar score is 0 points. The child has no signs of life. He needs immediate resuscitation.

Treatment

Treatment for a newborn with asphyxiation begins immediately after birth. Resuscitation measures and further treatment are carried out by an intensive care physician and a neonatologist.

In the delivery room

The child is placed on a changing table, wiped dry with a diaper, and mucus is sucked out of the mouth and upper respiratory tract using an aspirator. If the baby's breathing is irregular or absent, an oxygen mask is put on his face for artificial lung ventilation (ALV). After 2 minutes, the cardiac activity is assessed, if the heart rate (HR) per minute is 80 or less, they begin to give the child an indirect heart massage. After 30 seconds, the condition of the newborn is again assessed, if there is no improvement, then drugs are injected into the baby's umbilical vein. At the end of resuscitation, the child is transferred to the intensive care unit.

In the intensive care unit

Newborns with a mild degree of asphyxia are in the oxygen chamber, and babies with a moderate and severe degree in incubators. The child is provided with warmth and rest. The newborn is given an intravenous infusion of the following drugs: vitamins, antibacterial agents, "Calcium gluconate" (to prevent cerebral hemorrhage), "Vikasol", "Dicinon", "ATP", "Cocarboxylase". A baby with a mild form of asphyxiation is allowed to feed 16 hours after birth. A severely ill newborn is tube fed after 24 hours. The length of a baby's stay in the intensive care unit depends on his condition, in most cases it ranges from 10 to 15 days.

Consequences

The consequences of newborn asphyxia are no less dangerous than the condition itself, since they lead to the development of complications.

Early complications:

• brain necrosis;
• hemorrhage in the brain;
• swelling of the brain.

Late complications.