Patient's question:
Newborns hold their breath with clenched fists, their faces turning bright red, as if they can't pass stool. It looks very painful. When they don't strain, they eat and drink well and are in good spirits. The elders say it's because they're growing strength—is that right? Additionally, the skin around the child's mouth, especially at the philtrum, has a slightly bluish tint. Is that a sign of illness? It started about ten days after birth.What kind of assistance is needed: Please provide guidance from the doctor amidst your busy schedule. Thank you!
Doctor's answer:
Newborns often experience sudden episodes of breath-holding within 2 to 20 days after birth, especially premature infants or small for gestational age infants. The main manifestations include sudden cessation of breathing, bluish facial appearance, and weakness in the limbs. If the breath-holding lasts less than 15 to 30 seconds, it is medically referred to as "apnea." The primary cause is the immaturity of the newborn's brain development. When exposed to cold stress or suffering from diseases such as pneumonia, these episodes of breath-holding may recur.