Dr. Lynn Cates
Specializing in pediatric infectious diseases and childhood immunizations.
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 Ask Dr. Cates
Concerned about Infant's Fast Breathing | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Cates,
Is it normal for my baby to breathe fast, even at 70 breaths per minute? Should I place my child on her back or stomach? Which is safer?— Counting in Bel Air, Maryland | | | ANSWER |
April 16, 2001 | | | Dear Counting,
It is nice to hear from someone who watches her baby so closely! You don't mention how old your daughter is, but when perfectly healthy young infants are excited or upset, they often breathe 70 times per minute. However, they slow down to about 40 breaths per minute when they are resting or asleep.
There are quite a few medical conditions that can cause babies to breathe 70 times a minute even when they are sleeping or resting quietly. These range from heart or lung problems to various kinds of poisonings. All of these conditions need to be evaluated by an experienced healthcare provider promptly, particularly if the child is having trouble breathing or looks blue.
If you have any question about whether or not your baby's breathing is normal, you should take her to her healthcare provider and have him look at her breathing with you. Don't be shy about asking what is normal and what can be a sign of danger.
Any time your child looks like she is having trouble breathing, she should be evaluated immediately.
As to how you should place your daughter when you put her down, the simple phrase "back to sleep" will help you remember the safest position. The national "Back To Sleep Campaign" has reduced the rate of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by teaching parents to put their babies to sleep on their backs. — by Lynn Cates, M.D., F.A.A.P. |
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