Question
My newborn is 20 days old and has recently been noticed to occasionally spit bubbles, with a breathing rate of 50 to 55 times per minute. The baby coughs one or two times a day. Before feeding, when the nipple is touched, the baby spits up milk frequently, and has a stuffy nose. I want to ask if this is a symptom of neonatal pneumonia?
Answer
The baby is young, spitting bubbles, and feeling nausea during feeding may require excluding the possibility of early lung inflammation. Early infections in infants can be atypical, with symptoms such as spitting mucus, a stuffy nose, burping, and frequent spitting up. Pay attention to feeding, with smaller and more frequent feedings. After feeding, it’s best to hold the baby upright and gently pat on the back. It’s advisable to consult with a pediatrician at the hospital for a lung examination and, if necessary, a chest X-ray. If there is no lung infection, there’s no need to worry. If there is inflammation, active intervention and treatment are required. Wishing the baby grows up healthily!