Patient's question:
Doctor, I'd like to ask, my baby is only about 20 days old, but he often chokes on milk, and his breathing is also a bit fast. What could be the reason?Doctor's answer:
The respiratory rate of a newborn can reach up to 44 times per minute. Choking on milk is caused by a deficiency of vitamin A in infants, where the squamous cells of the pharyngeal epithelium at the front of the throat become swollen and keratinized. This leads to the pharynx being unable to fully close and cover the trachea during dry swallowing, resulting in recurrent choking.Prevention of choking requires scientific feeding practices. Feeding should be done when the infant is fully awake, with the baby held upright in a semi-recumbent position. After feeding, the infant should be placed on their back, and their back should be gently patted. Additionally, vitamin A digestive supplements should be administered promptly to the infant, preferably through oral administration of cod liver oil drops.