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Infant Apnea

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 3, 2024.

What is infant apnea?

Infant apnea is an episode when your baby stops breathing for more than 20 seconds for no obvious reason. Your baby may begin breathing again with certain measures or on his or her own. Infant apnea is also called a brief resolved unexplained event (BRUE). A BRUE is an episode that frightens the person who sees it.

What increases my infant's risk for apnea?

What are the signs of infant apnea?

Most periods of apnea happen while your baby is sleeping but can also happen while he or she is awake. You might notice any of the following:

How is infant apnea diagnosed?

Your baby's healthcare provider will ask questions about the episodes. Your baby may need blood and urine tests, sleep studies, or EKGs. He or she may also need a lumbar puncture, chest x-ray, or head scans. A barium swallow may be used to check for gastric reflux.

How is infant apnea treated?

Treatment depends on the cause of your baby's apnea. Apnea may stop as he or she gets older.

What should I do if my baby has an episode of apnea?

Do not shake your baby to make him or her breathe.

What can I do to manage apnea episodes?

How do I put my baby down to sleep safely?

Tell grandparents, babysitters, and anyone else who cares for your baby the following rules:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

When should I call my baby's pediatrician?

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your baby's care. Learn about your baby's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your baby's healthcare providers to decide what care you want for your baby. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.