What causes a newborn to breathe heavily during sleep?
Oct 14, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
A newborn breathing heavily during sleep may be caused by the body's underdeveloped systems, colds, allergic rhinitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, or other conditions. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention at a hospital, complete relevant examinations, and determine the underlying cause. Treatment should be carried out under a doctor's guidance to prevent worsening of the condition. During treatment, giving the newborn more water can promote metabolism and help relieve discomfort.
Heavy breathing in newborns during sleep may be caused by underdeveloped physiology, colds, allergic rhinitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, or other medical conditions.
1. Underdeveloped Physiology
The organs of newborns are not yet fully developed. Nasal passages are typically narrow due to incomplete nasal development, and the laryngeal cartilage often develops poorly, which can lead to loose throat tissue. This may reduce the size of the laryngeal cavity during inhalation, resulting in heavy breathing while sleeping.
2. Cold
Newborns have relatively weak immune systems. When viruses enter the nasal cavity, they can cause inflammation of the nasal mucosa, increasing nasal secretions and leading to heavier breathing. Viruses may replicate extensively in the body, causing symptoms such as dizziness and headache. Medications such as Banlangen Granules, Lianhua Qingwen Granules, or Antiviral Oral Liquid may be used under medical guidance to suppress viral replication.
3. Allergic Rhinitis
If a newborn is exposed to allergens such as dust, pollen, or animal dander, allergic rhinitis may develop. This can increase nasal secretions and impair nasal airflow, causing heavy breathing. It may also be accompanied by nasal mucosal congestion and swelling, further affecting respiration. Under a doctor's supervision, medications like Loratadine Granules, Cetirizine Hydrochloride Syrup, or Desloratadine Syrup may be used for their antihistamine effects.
4. Bronchitis
In cases of bronchitis, inflammatory stimulation may cause edema of the airway mucosa, narrowing the airways and potentially blocking the respiratory tract. This leads to symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and coughing. Under medical guidance, medications such as Amoxicillin Granules, Roxithromycin Granules, or Azithromycin Granules may be used to help resolve the inflammation.
5. Pneumonia
If a bacterial infection causes pneumonia in a newborn, lung alveoli may become inflamed and swollen, increasing respiratory secretions. This can result in heavy breathing during sleep, possibly accompanied by fever and difficulty breathing. Under medical advice, antibiotics such as Cefuroxime Axetil Granules, Cefaclor Granules, or Cefradine Granules may be prescribed to combat the infection.
It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation, complete necessary examinations, identify the underlying cause, and follow appropriate treatment under a doctor’s supervision to prevent worsening of the condition. During treatment, offering the newborn more fluids can promote metabolism and help alleviate discomfort.
