
If your baby’s breathing problems are due to a congenital defect, they may need surgery to correct the problem. If your baby can’t breathe on their own due to lung problems, they may need help from a machine known as a ventilator. Caffeine is a common treatment for recurring apnea in babies born prematurely.īreathing problems may stop your baby from getting enough oxygen into their lungs.Diuretics can get rid of the excess fluid in their lungs.Artificial surfactant can prevent the small air sacs in their lungs from collapsing.Respiratory medications, such as bronchodilators, may help open up your baby’s airways to make breathing easier.Medications for infant breathing disorders include the following: Their doctor may prescribe medications, oxygen therapy, or mechanical ventilation. Your baby’s treatment plan will depend on their specific condition and the severity of their symptoms. This can make it even harder for them to breathe.

However, it can also scar your baby’s fragile lungs. If your baby is born this early, they may need to receive oxygen and breathing help from a mechanical ventilator. This condition can occur due to therapy your baby may receive if they have premature lung development. It’s most common in newborns, especially those born six weeks prematurely or more.īabies born more than 10 weeks early are at the greatest risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. This condition is called respiratory distress syndrome. This can cause the small sacs in their lungs to collapse, making it difficult for them to breathe. If your baby was born prematurely, their ability to make surfactant might not be fully developed. Meconium aspiration is more common in full-term or post-term babies, rather than premature babies. Pneumonia can occur due to an infection or meconium aspiration. This is called “aspiration.” This can cause an infection in their lungs or lung inflammation.

It’s possible for them to inhale meconium shortly after birth. Meconium is the earliest stool that your infant produces, sometimes in the womb. They also may be on ventilators and spend time in the NICU which increase the risk of infection. Premature babies have less developed immune systems and are therefore more susceptible to infections. If your baby is born prematurely, and their lungs aren’t fully developed, they have an increased risk of getting pneumonia. The following types of breathing disorders can occur: They usually occur when a baby is born, before their lungs have time to develop completely. Many types of breathing disorders related to lung development exist.
