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What Causes Intermittent Rapid Breathing In An Infant?
Question: Hello
My son is currently almost 7 months old. He was born 6 weeks premature. He was diagnosed 2 month ago with whooping cough and it has been treated with the proper antibiotics and inhalers. Our family also has a history of asthma.
The past month or so we've realized that he has an irregular breathing pattern when sleeping. Sometimes he would breath fast and heavily and sometimes he would breath somewhat slow. Is this normal for infants this age?
Also, we've realised that he would get breathing spasms while asleep. You know like when a child cries a lot and they would have intermittent breathing as if swallowing their breath. He wouldn't be crying though. He would have these breathing spasms while asleep. Is this normal?
My son is currently almost 7 months old. He was born 6 weeks premature. He was diagnosed 2 month ago with whooping cough and it has been treated with the proper antibiotics and inhalers. Our family also has a history of asthma.
The past month or so we've realized that he has an irregular breathing pattern when sleeping. Sometimes he would breath fast and heavily and sometimes he would breath somewhat slow. Is this normal for infants this age?
Also, we've realised that he would get breathing spasms while asleep. You know like when a child cries a lot and they would have intermittent breathing as if swallowing their breath. He wouldn't be crying though. He would have these breathing spasms while asleep. Is this normal?
Brief Answer:
That's normal but get him examined
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing to us.
At this age it is normal for breathing rate to vary at night but only by a small extent.
If he has intermittent fast breathing it is better to get him examined to make sure he has no chest infection.
Most likely he should be OK.
wishing your child good health.
Regards
Dr Arun
That's normal but get him examined
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing to us.
At this age it is normal for breathing rate to vary at night but only by a small extent.
If he has intermittent fast breathing it is better to get him examined to make sure he has no chest infection.
Most likely he should be OK.
wishing your child good health.
Regards
Dr Arun
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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