Gina Johnson
It is common for newborns to breathe irregularly, and they may breathe faster for a few seconds and then slow down, especially while sleeping. This is because babies have smaller lungs and weaker muscles and breathe mostly through their noses. Babies with laryngomalacia may experience noisy breathing, which is usually harmless and resolves on its own. However, if irregular breathing persists beyond six months, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician. Mouth breathing in babies may be due to a blockage in the upper airway, such as a stuffy nose or enlarged tonsils, and can have long-term health consequences if left untreated. Parents or caregivers should be aware of their baby's typical behavior and breathing patterns to identify any potential breathing difficulties.
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What You'll Learn
Babies' irregular breathing patterns
It is common for newborns to have irregular breathing patterns, which can be concerning for new parents. Newborns can breathe rapidly, take long pauses between breaths, and make unusual noises. Their breathing pathways are much smaller and easier to obstruct, and their chest wall is more pliable than an adult's as it is made of cartilage. Their respiration is not yet fully developed, and they are still learning to use their lungs and breathing muscles. Usually, there is no cause for concern, but it is important for parents and caregivers to be aware of their baby's typical breathing pattern to identify any potential issues early on.
Babies tend to breathe much more frequently and with different patterns than adults, and their breathing rate can vary depending on their age. Newborns can breathe anywhere from 30 to 60 times per minute, slowing down to 30 to 40 breaths per minute during sleep. At six months old, babies typically breathe 25 to 40 times per minute. It is important to learn your baby's typical breathing patterns so you can identify any deviations, which may indicate respiratory distress. Signs of respiratory distress include rapid or irregular breathing, with a rate of more than 60 breaths per minute, and grunting or moaning sounds as the baby tries to keep air in their lungs.
If you are concerned about your baby's breathing, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, monitor your baby's breathing when they are well to establish a baseline for what is normal for them. Note any unusual noises and take a video of their breathing pattern to show to your healthcare provider. If you suspect respiratory distress, seek immediate medical attention. Additionally, always ensure that your baby sleeps on their back, as this decreases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
In terms of self-care, it is not recommended to use vapor rub for children under two years of age. If your baby has a respiratory infection and is struggling to sleep, consult your doctor for safe ways to help clear congestion. Propping the baby up or putting their crib on an incline is not advised.
In summary, irregular breathing patterns in newborns are typically normal, but it is important to be vigilant and seek medical advice if you have any concerns. By learning your baby's typical breathing patterns and taking appropriate action when needed, you can help ensure their respiratory health and well-being.
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Mouth breathing causes
It is normal for newborns to breathe irregularly, and they may breathe faster for a few seconds and then slow down, especially during sleep. This type of irregular breathing is normal and usually does not require treatment. However, if irregular breathing persists beyond six months of age, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician to ensure healthy breathing.
Mouth breathing in babies can occur due to several causes:
Congestion and Allergies
Congestion caused by colds or allergies can lead to mouth breathing in babies. This is often temporary and can be alleviated with home remedies such as saline drops and a bulb syringe to clear congestion. Using a vaporizer or cool-mist humidifier in the baby's room can also help clear congestion, allowing them to breathe more easily through their nose.
Anatomical Problems
Anatomical issues, such as a deviated septum, can obstruct the nasal passage, making it difficult for babies to breathe through their nose. This condition may be caused by birth trauma, resulting in abnormal positioning of the cartilage and bone separating the nostrils.
Sleep Disorders
Sleep disorders like sleep apnea and snoring can contribute to mouth breathing. Sleep apnea occurs when the upper airway is blocked, which can be due to enlarged adenoids or tonsils. Symptoms accompanying snoring may include coughing, pauses in breathing, choking, and restlessness.
Thumb-Sucking and Prolonged Pacifier Use
The pressure exerted on the palate during thumb-sucking or prolonged pacifier use can force the jaw to remain narrow, leading to mouth breathing.
Enlarged Tonsils
Inflamed and swollen tonsils can partially block the airways, causing your child to breathe through their mouth while sleeping.
If you notice persistent mouth breathing or any red flags, such as rapid or noisy breathing, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying issues.
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Sleep apnea
It is normal for newborns to breathe irregularly, with pauses between breaths, and unusual noises. This is because babies have smaller lungs and weaker muscles, and are still learning to breathe without the umbilical cord delivering oxygen to their body. Newborns also breathe mostly through their noses, and their lungs are not fully developed. This type of irregular breathing is normal and does not require treatment. However, if irregular breathing persists past the age of six months, it is recommended that parents call their pediatrician to ensure their child's breathing is healthy.
Infants are particularly vulnerable to OSA due to their upper airway structure, adverse pulmonary mechanics, ventilatory control, arousal threshold, laryngeal chemoreflex, and REM-predominant sleep state distribution. Obstructive events are associated with a significant decline in oxygenation and heart rate. Additional factors that predispose infants toward airway collapse include neck flexion, airway secretions, gastroesophageal reflux, and sleep deprivation. Congenital abnormalities of the airway, such as laryngomalacia, hemangiomas, and choanal atresia, may also adversely affect airway patency.
The treatment for sleep apnea depends on the severity and type of sleep apnea. For OSA, some infants may require surgery, but most will outgrow it as their upper airway gets larger. Other treatments include providing oxygen support with a nasal cannula, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), or, in rare cases, a tracheostomy. If left untreated, severe sleep apnea can affect the child's sleep architecture and cause long-term damage to the heart, brain, and other parts of the body.
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Laryngomalacia
It is common for newborns to breathe irregularly, and they may breathe faster for a few seconds and then slow down, especially during sleep. This type of irregular breathing is normal and usually does not require treatment. However, if irregular breathing persists beyond six months of age, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
The exact cause of laryngomalacia is unknown, but it is believed to be associated with the relaxation or lack of muscle tone in the upper airway. It is also linked to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), as acid reflux can cause additional swelling of the floppy tissue in the larynx. A comprehensive evaluation of the upper airway is necessary for an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. In 90% of cases, laryngomalacia resolves without treatment by the time a child reaches 18 to 20 months of age. However, severe cases may require medication or surgery, such as supraglottoplasty or, in rare instances, a tracheotomy.
If you suspect your 7-month-old's breathing pattern has changed or you observe any concerning symptoms, it is always best to consult a doctor or seek medical advice. They may recommend diagnostic tests, such as nasopharyngolaryngoscopy (NPL) or flexible laryngoscopy, to evaluate your baby's condition and determine the best course of action.
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When to seek emergency care
It is common for newborns to breathe irregularly, and they may breathe faster for a few seconds before slowing down, especially during sleep. This is known as periodic breathing and is not usually a cause for concern. Babies also breathe mostly through their noses and make unusual noises when breathing. However, if irregular breathing persists beyond six months of age, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
- If your child has stopped breathing and is unresponsive, immediately begin CPR and call emergency services.
- If your child stops breathing for 15 seconds or more and then resumes, visit the pediatric emergency room, even if they seem fine afterward.
- If your child is working too hard to breathe, with noticeable strain in the areas below the ribs, between the ribs, or in the neck, seek emergency care.
- If your child has been diagnosed with asthma, work with their physician to create an action plan for specific symptoms that warrant a trip to the emergency room. For example, a peak flow reading below 50% that does not improve with medication.
- If your child is sick and exhibits irregular breathing, monitor them for a few hours and contact a doctor if their condition does not improve or worsens. Take a video of any worrisome behavior to show the doctor.
- If your child is having trouble breathing and you are concerned, do not hesitate to contact a doctor or visit an immediate care facility or emergency room, depending on the severity of their symptoms.
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Frequently asked questions
It is normal for newborns to breathe irregularly, but if this persists past the age of six months, you should contact your paediatrician. Babies have smaller lungs and weaker muscles, and are just learning to breathe, so irregular breathing is to be expected.
A baby's regular breathing rate is about triple an adult's rate. A baby's breathing rate may seem rapid, but it is only abnormal if it exceeds 60 breaths per minute.
There are many reasons for noisy or irregular breathing, including cysts, hemangiomas, inhaled objects, enlarged tonsils, allergies, anatomical problems, and laryngomalacia. If you are concerned about your baby's breathing, you should contact a doctor or visit an emergency room, depending on the severity.
If your baby is struggling to breathe and is not responsive, immediately begin CPR and call emergency services. If your baby ceases breathing for 15 seconds or more and then resumes, visit the pediatric ER.
