What is the difference between apnea and periodic breathing?

What is the difference between apnea and periodic breathing?

Periodic breathing is clusters of breaths separated by intervals of apnea or near-apnea. As opposed to normal breathing which is usually regular, periodic breathing is defined as three or more episodes of central apnea lasting at least 4 seconds, separated by no more than 30 seconds of normal breathing.

What is periodic breathing in babies?

Some babies can take a pause in their breathing for up to 10 seconds or a few seconds longer. Their next few breaths may be fast and shallow. Then they breathe steadily again. This is called periodic breathing. It is a harmless condition in premature and full-term babies.

What is apnea in premature babies?

In a premature baby, the part of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) that controls breathing is not yet mature enough for nonstop breathing. This causes large bursts of breath followed by periods of shallow breathing or stopped breathing. Apnea of prematurity usually ends on its own after a few weeks.

What is apnea of prematurity caused by?

Apnea can be caused by immaturity of the brain and weakness of the muscles that keep the airway open. At times, additional stresses in a premature baby — including infection, heart or lung problems, low blood count, low oxygen levels, temperature problems, feeding problems and overstimulation — may worsen apnea.

How do you treat periodic breathing?

Many studies point out that it’s necessary to supply short-term oxygen to reduce the effects of periodic breathing, especially during the night….The treatments include:

1. Pacemaker and other devices.
2. Medication.
3. Heart transplant.
4. Cardiac valve surgery.

When do premature babies grow out of apnea?

Apnea of prematurity may not have a cause other than your baby’s having an immature central nervous system. Many premature babies will “outgrow” apnea of prematurity by the time they reach the date that would have been the 36th week of pregnancy.

What is periodic breathing on CPAP?

Periodic breathing is defined as three or more episodes of central apnea lasting at least 3 seconds, separated by no more than 20 seconds of normal breathing.

When is periodic breathing a concern?

When to call your healthcare provider Pauses in breathing that last more than 15 seconds. Pauses in breathing that happen very often. Baby stops breathing and becomes limp, pale, or blue around the mouth. Baby’s skin is a bluish color during periods of normal breathing.

How do you stop periodic breathing?

Avoiding exposure to toxins, allergens, irritants, and pollutants can also help reduce the risk of developing periodic breathing. Furthermore, you can use a helpful tool to assist you in keeping a close eye on your breathing and health.

How is apnea treated in premature babies?

Methylxanthine compounds such as caffeine, theophylline, and aminophylline have been administered to premature infants as respiratory stimulants to decrease AOP [50]. These drugs are powerful central nervous system stimulants and likely reduce apnea by multiple physiological and pharmacological mechanisms.

When do babies grow out of periodic breathing?

What can you expect when your infant has it? Your baby may have periodic breathing when he or she is sleeping. It happens less often as your infant grows. The condition should stop by the time your baby is 6 months old.