Mothers should take their children to the emergency room immediately if they notice shallow, rapid, irregular breathing, cyanosis, especially with retraction of the chest. These are signs of respiratory distress – a leading cause of mortality in infants, particularly preterm infants.
After birth, the internal organs begin to function and coordinate smoothly to maintain respiratory function. If this adaptive ability is disrupted, symptoms of respiratory distress will appear in the child. This can be indicative of various conditions not only in the respiratory system but also in cardiovascular issues, meningitis, or simply due to hypothermia or hypoglycemia…
Monitor the child; if you observe any of the following symptoms, the child may be experiencing respiratory distress:
– Irregular breathing rhythm: Observe and count the breathing rate. The child exhibits shallow, rapid, irregular breathing with a rate exceeding 60 breaths per minute.
– Skin color: The child’s skin may appear cyanotic or pale. There could be generalized cyanosis or localized cyanosis around the lips and extremities.
– The child is having difficulty breathing, with retraction of the chest and intercostal muscles, and a sunken sternum. The movement of the chest and abdomen does not synchronize with the breathing rhythm. Nasal flaring may be present, accompanied by a wheezing sound during exhalation.
When a child experiences respiratory distress, the body lacks oxygen, which can lead to severe consequences if not addressed. The child must be examined and accurately diagnosed to determine the appropriate intervention. In reality, there are cases of respiratory distress that cannot be treated medically and require surgical or emergency procedures, such as esophageal obstruction, tracheoesophageal fistula, diaphragmatic hernia, or pneumothorax…
While preparing to take the child to the hospital, it is essential to clear the airway quickly, especially for children experiencing respiratory distress due to milk aspiration or mucus. Use a cloth-wrapped finger to clean the mouth and throat. Quickly use your mouth or a suction device to clear the child’s nose. This must be done swiftly and gently to avoid injuring the mucous membranes. Loosen the diaper and clothing to facilitate breathing. Keep the child warm with a blanket or warm water bag, being careful not to burn the child. Hold the child in a slightly elevated position for easier breathing.
To prevent respiratory distress in newborns, besides early detection of diseases, care and nutrition are also very important. Do not allow the child to get cold, maintaining an ambient temperature of 27-28 degrees Celsius, especially in winter. Ensure adequate breastfeeding, allowing the child to feed on demand; however, if the child sleeps longer than 3 hours, they should be awakened for feeding. Many mothers let their children sleep soundly for 5-6 hours, which can lead to hunger, hypoglycemia, hypothermia, and potentially result in respiratory distress.
