Apnea, or the cessation of breathing, can develop in any newborn, especially those who are born prematurely. Although newborns tend to outgrow apnea, it is a very dangerous condition that requires close monitoring. This makes it imperative to understand what can trigger apnea in your newborn and how you can treat it.
Symptoms
Apnea can cause your newborn to have shallow breathing or even completely stop breathing for up to 10 seconds. In severe cases, breathing can stop for 20 seconds or longer. Your newborn may also experience a decline in heart rate, called bradycardia. Because the cessation of breathing can limit the supply of oxygen levels in your newborn's blood, his skin may turn bluish in appearance or lack color.
Causes
Your newborn can experience apnea if the muscles that control her airways are weak and cannot keep her throat and lungs open. In addition, apnea can occur if her brain is not completely developed or she suffers from conditions such as an infection, anemia, feeding difficulty, a fever or low temperature, overstimulation or a heart or lung problem. Temporary throat obstruction, such as when your infant's neck is bent forward, can also trigger episodes.
Treatments
Your newborn may be kept in the hospital for monitoring if he frequently experiences apnea. However, you can treat mild cases of apnea by gently stimulating your newborn when you notice an episode. This can be done with a gentle touch, nudge or rub. Move your baby onto his back if you believe his airways may be obstructed. A doctor can also prescribe a medication to stimulate your child's respiratory system.
Dangers
Call for emergency services or immediately take your child to the hospital if her skin becomes pale or blue-tinged. If stimulation does not restart your baby's breathing, start doing CPR and call 911. Do not ever shake your newborn to stimulate her, because this can cause trauma to your child's brain and can have serious side effects such as hearing loss, blindness, speech problems, mental retardation and even death.
