My 3.5 weeks son seems having difficulty while breathing

Question

I am a first time parent and I am not aware of many things about babies yet. My 3.5 weeks old son is having difficulties with breathing as I see.. He was doing ok until yesterday.. since last night, he is having heavy breathing, and after some 10-15 times, he cries a bit - probably for relief in terms of breathing, then back to heavy breathing. I can hear his wheeze occasionally. He grunts more. think becuase of this, he is not taking milk properly. I dont know if he is having any blocked nose.. What should be my first course of action? Is it serious?

Answer 1

I had this same issue about two weeks after my son's birth (he is now ten weeks), and after getting very scared, I called my doctor...

The doctor said it sounds like a cold and to follow these protocols:

1. Allow his to sleep sitting more upright, like in an infant carrier. If you co-sleep, you can arrange both your bodies on an incline.

2. Humidifier. If you don't have one, you can have a hot shower going while someone holds him in the bathroom. If you have a spouse who can take a hot shower, this works well.

3. Saline drops in the nose. Make by sterilizing some water by bringing it to a boil and adding a 1/4 teaspoon salt with 1 c water. Tilt baby's head back and drop in two or three drops, letting it run down, clearing the mucus. He will likely sneeze, so you'll want an aspirator bulb and wipe handy.

If you see his ribs sucking in deeply while he breathes, this could be a sign of a bigger problem-- in this case, it wouldn't be the cold. It would be an issue getting air into the lungs. Seek emergency assistance immediately.  

Answer 2

Definitely make an appointment. Do you have pets? Could be allergies.

Answer 3

definately make a doc appointment!! but i think its probably gas =)

Answer 4

Hello,  I just want you to check one thing....please look at his chest and if it looks like that when he inhales his chest is caving in or you can see his ribs because he is inhaling so hard then you know he is having trouble breathing (this is called retracting).  Also if when he inhales his nostril are flaring then again you know he is having difficulty breathing.  I have been a Respiratory Therapist for over 13 years and these are the typical signs that we see when little one's are in distress.  However if he isin't having any of these symptoms and you still feel like things aren't right take him in, after all you know him better than anyone.   Good luck to you and your little man!!  

Answer 5

I took my son to the DR for his wheezing & heavy breathing about 2days ago. He;s only a week old & the way they explained it to me was that babies are like old people when it comes to their breathing,the both struggle because of all the fluid in their chest & lungs but I still think you should take him to see a DR because every baby is different & he just started doing it last night he should definitly go to a DR...I hope everything is ok

Answer 6

make an apointment with your doctor. It is most likely a stuffed nose or a cold that isnt a full blown cold. He might even have weezing which will turn out to just be a wait it out thing. Call your nurse hotline and ask them. Dont worry you cant call enough over there. I hope this helps some. Babys do some scary things that turn out to be nothing. I am a worrier too. Good luck. Also try a humidifier on low. no medicine in it though, only water. Make sure it isnt too close to him just in the same room.