Question

The newborn feels extremely dry in the mouth, is this a sign of neonatal pneumonia? What are the related symptoms, and how should they be handled?

Answer

Dry mouth in newborns alone is not sufficient to diagnose neonatal pneumonia. Pay attention to whether there are accompanying symptoms such as coughing, excessive phlegm, rapid breathing, or difficulty breathing. If there are no other abnormalities, temporary observation can be made, and appropriate amounts of water can be supplemented. Since newborns have fragile constitutions, it is recommended to visit a pediatrician for routine blood tests to determine the specific situation. Depending on the results of the examination, anti-inflammatory or expectorant medications may be required for treatment. Additionally, attention should be paid to avoid milk aspiration and closely monitor temperature changes.