Patient's question:
My baby has just been born for a month. Yesterday, I noticed that my baby's face is red, and his breathing is a bit rapid. Is it pneumonia? What are the specific symptoms of neonatal pneumonia?Doctor's answer:
Since the cough reflex of newborns has not yet fully developed, coughing is rare. Additionally, due to the relatively underdeveloped chest, weak respiratory muscles, small range of respiratory movement, shallow respiratory surface, and lack of deep breathing in newborns, their clinical manifestations are non-specific. Clinical symptoms are often atypical, with respiratory distress only irregular breathing, pauses, or rapid breathing. Lung signs are usually not apparent in the early stages. Mild, faint wet rales may be heard on both sides of the spine, or twisting sounds may be heard at the end of inspiration.