Infantile apnea

Infantile Apnea

Infantile apnea (pronunciation: in-fan-tile ap-nee-uh) is a medical condition that affects infants, typically those under the age of 1 year. It is characterized by periods of cessation of breathing that last for 20 seconds or more.

Etymology

The term "infantile apnea" is derived from the Latin word "infantilis" meaning "pertaining to an infant" and the Greek word "apnoia" which means "want of breath".

Definition

Infantile apnea is a condition where an infant stops breathing for a period of 20 seconds or more. This can occur during sleep or while awake. It is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Symptoms

Symptoms of infantile apnea may include:

• Periods of no breathing
• Blue coloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen
• Limpness or lack of movement
• Gagging or choking

Causes

Infantile apnea can be caused by a variety of factors including:

• Premature birth
• Respiratory infection
• Neurological disorder
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of infantile apnea typically involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. Additional tests may include:

• Polysomnography
• Electroencephalogram (EEG)
• Blood tests
• Imaging studies

Treatment

Treatment for infantile apnea may include:

• Medication
• Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
• Surgery
• Home monitoring

Related Terms

• Apnea
• Central apnea
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Infantile apnea
• Wikipedia's article - Infantile apnea

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