Question
My baby was born just a month ago, and yesterday I noticed that the baby’s face is red, and the breathing is a bit rapid. Could it be pneumonia? What are the specific symptoms of neonatal pneumonia?
Answer
Since neonates have not fully developed their cough reflex, coughing is rare. Additionally, due to the relatively underdeveloped chest, weak respiratory muscles, limited range of respiratory movement, superficial breathing movements, and lack of deep breathing, their clinical manifestations are often non-specific. Clinical symptoms may only manifest as irregular breathing, pauses, or rapid breathing. Lung signs are usually not obvious in the early stages. You may hear a small amount of mild moist rales on both sides of the spine, or a twisting sound at the end of inhalation.