Question
If a newborn exhibits a whistling sound during breathing, although not frequent, the frequency of defecation increases from once a day to four or five times a day. Each defecation is not large in quantity, with consistency ranging from loose to firm, containing small hard lumps similar to milk residue, and the color is yellow. The baby often cries and fusses during feeding. How should this be handled?
Answer
If a newborn shows signs of rapid breathing, it is important to consider not only the possibility of underdeveloped lung maturity but also the potential for upper or lower respiratory tract infections, such as meconium aspiration syndrome or congenital heart disease. These conditions can lead to insufficient oxygen supply, forcing the baby to breathe rapidly to increase oxygen intake. During the newborn stage, there are many special reflexes that appear due to the immaturity of the cerebral cortex and are temporary. As the child grows older, these reflexes gradually disappear. A lack of these reflexes or their persistence over time can be abnormal and may indicate a brain disorder.