What Apnoea means?

Apnea (BrE: apnoea) is the cessation of breathing. During apnea, there is no movement of the muscles of inhalation, and the volume of the lungs initially remains unchanged.

How long can a newborn have apnea?

These breathing abnormalities may begin after 2 days of life and last for up to 2 to 3 months after the birth. Smaller and more premature infants are more likely to have AOP.

How do I know if my newborn has apnea?

The symptoms of infantile apnea include the stoppage of breathing during sleep, an abnormal bluish discoloration to the skin (cyanosis) and sometimes an unusually slow heartbeat (bradycardia). Infantile apnea may be related to some cases of sudden infant death syndrome. Episodes of apnea may decrease with age.

How common is apnea in babies?

The prevalence in infants is still unknown, but between one and five percent of all children have sleep apnea. When detected early, sleep apnea can be treated to prevent other long-term complications.

What causes newborn apnea?

There are many reasons why a baby may have periods of apnea including brain immaturity (Apnea of Prematurity), neurological issues, heart disease, gastrointestinal issues, infectious causes and genetic issues. In some cases, we cannot find a reason for the apnea. Normally, the brain controls breathing automatically.

When do premature babies grow out of apnea?

Apnea of prematurity may not have a cause other than your baby’s having an immature central nervous system. Many premature babies will “outgrow” apnea of prematurity by the time they reach the date that would have been the 36th week of pregnancy.

Do newborns have apnea?

It is common for there to be some instability in an infant’s breathing. This can be a normal part of an infant’s development. Even healthy infants may have a brief central apnea. This pause may be an isolated event.

Does sleep apnea go away in babies?

Infants with sleep apnea may receive oxygen supplementation or need a machine to provide breathing support. They also may need treatment with medications. All of these options tend to be short-term treatments. Infant sleep apnea tends to go away as the child grows and matures.