Newborns frequently develop hoarse, raspy breathing during times of illness or congestion. In general, brief episodes of raspy breathing are harmless and not indicative of a serious medical condition. However, noisy breath may on rare occasions be a sign of a life-threatening ailment. If you are concerned about your baby's breathing or believe that he is sick, contact his pediatrician for advice. In the event of an illness or complication, a qualified health care provider can evaluate your child's respiratory health.
Symptoms
Raspy breathing can vary widely in its sound and severity. Renowned pediatrician William Sears states that raspy, "junky" breathing frequently relates to saliva, mucus or milk partially obstructing the airway. Other types of raspy breathing may include seal-like barking coughs, wet hacking or wheezing. One form of raspy breathing, known as stridor, sounds like a high-pitched, musical whistling sound. A pediatrician can evaluate the different forms and causes of raspy breathing in infants.
Significance
Raspy breathing may or may not signal a medical problem. According do Dr. Sears, brief episodes of raspy breathing do not indicate a medical problem; parents can relieve these transient episodes of congestion by sitting a baby upright and allowing her to inhale moist air. If raspy breathing in a newborn persists despite this treatment--or if it accompanies fever, wheezing or cough--it may signal an infection such as pneumonia, croup, bronchitis, bronchiolitis or epiglottitis.
Treatment Options
Depending on the cause of your baby's breathing problems, you may be able to treat the issue at home. For transient episodes of "junky" breathing with no other worrisome symptoms, simply sit your baby upright and pat him gently on the back to clear his airway. Consult his pediatrician if these symptoms persist for more than a few minutes; your baby may have an infection requiring treatment with bronchiodilator medications or antibiotics. Seek prompt emergency care if your baby appears to have severe difficulty breathing.
Red Flags
Although raspy breathing alone is not a sign of an emergency, several related symptoms may indicate that your baby is facing a potentially life-threatening illness. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, your baby may have epiglottitis, a serious infection that obstructs the airway, if she experiences a harsh raspy sound each time she breathes. Other symptoms of epiglottitis include fever, drooling and severe sore throat. Dr. Sears additionally recommends that parents seek emergency treatment for a baby whose breathing is labored or whose chest caves in during each breath.
Considerations
In special circumstances, a baby with raspy breathing may require a medical evaluation even if he displays no "red flag" symptoms. If your baby has a medical condition such as cystic fibrosis, chromosomal abnormalities or asthma, his pediatrician may ask that you bring him for an evaluation even if he does not appear to be particularly ill. If you have any questions regarding your baby's overall health, do not hesitate to ask for professional advice.
