Do you know this sign of breathing difficulties in babies?

The symptoms of respiratory illnesses are harsh in general. But when a baby contracts such an illness — like bronchiolitis — the outcome can be very serious if not diagnosed and treated properly. The problem is, symptoms of respiratory illnesses can be sneaky, especially in babies. This is why one mum wants to educate all parents on a subtle, and perhaps overlooked sign of breathing difficulties in babies, that is an indication of potential complications. 

Breathing Difficulties In Babies Highlights Sneaky Flu Symptom

Charlie O’Brien, a British mum, blogger and broadcaster had uploaded a video cautioning parents how to detect a very severe symptom of the flu in young babies. Although it was uploaded last year, the video still remains popular due to how useful it is to parents of young babies. 

At the time, four-week-old Luna, Charlie’s baby, was breathing rather unusually. The mum noted that she was breathing more rapidly than normal and her nostrils widened a lot.

When she undressed the baby, it was clear there was something wrong: baby Luna’s ribs were drawing back, so much more than normal breathing. It was only then Charlie realised something was very wrong and brought her baby to the doctor. There, she was told her little one was displaying symptoms of serious respiratory issues. 

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According to Dr Kristin Dean, the Associate Medical Director from Doctor on Demand, the specific way Luna was breathing is called retractions.

Retractions happen when a baby has to work their rib or neck muscles to breathe, which “is a sign that a baby is having to work harder than normal to breathe,” says Dr. Dean.

Breathing Difficulties in Babies: How it all started

Two days ago, before the video was shot, Charlie realised that Luna was ill while they were in a newborn photo shoot.

The worried mum brought her to the hospital, being “concerned about Bronchiolitis as our son had previously had it,” she says. There, she waited for a few hours until medical professionals finally let Luna leave untreated as her symptoms improved. 

But on the day she recorded the viral video, Charie realised that little Luna was abnormally quiet the whole day. It was only when she took off her onesie did she realise something was wrong. 

She recalls the incident:

“I was watching her sleep next to me and realized it didn’t look right. 

I unbuttoned her babygrow and this is what i saw. 

Sucking in at ribs is a sign to get your baby or child to hospital.

She had bronchiolitis and her oxygen levels were very low. Luckily after a night on oxygen, she made a very good recovery.”

Bronchiolitis happens when the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infects the airways. The disease presents with minor symptoms similar to the cold in both adults and older children. However, for babies bronchiolitis can be severe and potentially life-threatening.

RSV is an ordinary germ that scatters itself in the environment via tiny droplets when people cough or sneeze. The virus also spreads when you touching a patient infected with it or an object contaminated by it.

Why she took the video in the first place

Charlie later explains why she took the video at all. She was waiting for Britain’s National Health Service to call back after reaching out via their helpline. It was during this time that she recorded the video so that doctors in hospital would be able to better diagnose little Luna. However she says that she should have done something else: 

“In hindsight we perhaps should have called 999 [similar to 995 in Singapore] or gone straight to A&E [the accident and emergency department] without waiting for a call back.”

Charlie’s quick thinking gave Luna priority access to the to the pediatric department. There, she was treated with oxygen throughout the night. Thankfully, Luna got better completely. She is presently a 1-year-old and is in good shape.

O’Brien and her 1-year-old daughter, who is now healthy and happy, Luna.

Experts praise O’Brien’s actions, saying the key is to stay calm

If parents notice similar breathing in their babies, Dr Dean recommends they consult a medical professional instantly. “Retractions can occur between the ribs, below the sternum or in the area surrounding the collar bone and appear as a sucking in of the skin as seen in this video,” reminds Dr. Dean.

Diana Spalding, a pediatric nurse, also agrees. She advises parents to remain calm if they do notice retractions, and to call the emergency hotline if their baby wheezes, gasps, changes colour or has bad retractions.

In addition to not panicking, Spalding says that listening to yourself is also just as important.“The mom trusted her gut,” she says. “Parents have a deep and trustworthy sense about when things are off with their children, and I always encourage them to act on that intuition.”

Ever since the video was uploaded, other parents have learnt from Charlie’s experience. They have reached out to O’Brien, saying that they trusted their instincts and found medical help when their own babies showed similar signs of distress. 

“I’m so pleased I shared the clip – if it means just one baby or family is helped,” says Charlie.

Parents, do remember to always seek medical advice should you find something abnormal with your little one. Don’t be afraid to trust your instincts!

References: Irishnews.com

Also read:

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Here’s why you must give your child the flu vaccine every year…

Mums, are you sure your child is breathing clean air at home?

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