Question
Why do babies feel like they can’t breathe when they cry hard, as if they are having an asthma attack, but the frequency is very slow and quite frightening? Please explain this situation?
Answer
Infant apnea attacks are symptoms that occur during the dramatic changes in a baby’s emotions, such as anger, fear, sadness, or severe pain. The baby may experience respiratory pauses, purple lips, stiff limbs, and even fainting and loss of consciousness. Generally, these episodes last from 0.5 to 1 minute before symptoms subside. When a baby has an apnea attack, parents should remain calm and maintain a steady emotional state, providing full care and comfort with a soft tone. It is crucial to avoid harsh scolding, as prolonged apnea can lead to brain hypoxia, affecting the development of the nervous system.