Apnea and Bradycardia
Book AppointmentApnea is a pause in an infant’s regular breathing, which is longer than 10 to 15 seconds. Apnea may be followed by bradycardia. Bradycardia occurs when the infant’s breathing is too slow. The most common type is sinus bradycardia, which is when the sinus node in the heart (which is responsible for contraction during breathing) is not functioning properly.
Both conditions may be the result of premature birth because the baby’s nervous system is not fully developed. However, there may be other causes, such as:
Infection
Low blood oxygen
Environmental factors such as temperature
Blockage in the nose
Neurological problems
Respiratory disease
Damaged brain tissue
Irregular amounts of chemicals (such as glucose) in the body
When to seek expert advise
If your child is experiencing any of the above symptoms or if you are concerned about irregular heartbeat, it is advisable to seek immediate medical attention. You can call and book an appointment with the Neonatologists working with the Department of Paediatrics at The Aga Khan University Hospital.
Disclaimer
The information provided on our website is for educational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or other healthcare professional provider.
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