Question
A 34-week premature baby, at two months and four days old, is experiencing rapid breathing with sounds similar to an adult snoring, at a rate of 47-50 breaths per minute. Despite increasing the intake of vitamin D, the breathing remains rapid and noisy. Online information suggests that excessive vitamin D intake may lead to chronic poisoning. The baby is now two months and four days old, receiving 800 units of vitamin D and one vitamin AD tablet daily. Is this safe? Additionally, the baby has rapid breathing and noisy sounds, sometimes feeling like it can’t catch its breath, but there is no blue discoloration of the mouth or nose. What could be the issue here? What tests are needed?
Answer
Based on the provided clinical symptoms, there is no need to be overly concerned, as newborns have a normal breathing rate that is faster than adults, reaching up to 40 to 60 breaths per minute. If a newborn’s breathing rate is below 60 during a calm state, it is considered rapid breathing. If the baby does not have symptoms such as fever, cough, sputum, wheezing, or cyanosis, there is no need to be overly concerned; just close observation is required. It is recommended to take vitamin D3 according to the dosage instructions and increase sun exposure time. These suggestions are hoped to be helpful; wish you health!