Rapid breathing...later on

My twins are 12weeks old, 6weeks adjusted. We have been home for 7 weeks. My little guy (IUGR) never had breathing troubles in the NICU--only had cpap for a few minutes at birth and nothing more. I have noticed that he often breathes quite rapidly. Should I be concerned? Is this just a factor of his prematurity and small size? TIA!

 

infants usually take 2X the number of breaths per minute than adults...you could count his breaths per minute and if he's not over 40 you should be ok...

 

thanks for your reply. This is actually quite a bit faster. Anyone experience this?

 

One of my DDs did, but hers was due to pain from reflux. She often would breath quickly and arch slightly post feeding (no spitting up) it was a sign of pain/discomfort for her. It resolved when her reflux was properly treated.


But I would call your Dr, it could be from many things and is worth a look.

 

Thanks for the reply. That's interesting. He does have reflux. . . How did you figure out that it was pain related?

 

Our Pediatrician said it is a common reaction to pain (even in adults) and the fact that it occurred with her reflux (as tested by PH probe not dx by vomitting) it was a pain reaction. She also had special formula and took reflux meds.

 

OK, thanks. I called and left a message for the Dr/Nurse as DS is now not wanting to eat much. It is really hard to get him to take enough at breast or EBM by bottle. I'm not sure if these two things are related or not