My 6 and a half month old daughter is very healthy and active.
She has a problem that has happened a few times and we can not find out what it is. On rare occasions when she is laid down for a diaper change, she will gasp as though she can't breathe well. When picked up she recovers, episode lasting around 20 seconds. She had the first episode at 10 pm when she was about three months old and we took her to the emergency room. They tested her oxygen level and said it was near perfect.
The second time it happened was at 6 pm at about 5 and a half months old but she was only making the noise and was able to breath through the whole episode.
And this last time she had an episode at 10 pm that lasted over a minute and really had more trouble breathing, turned red in the face, and was in pain.
We are worried and can't find a doctor who will provide much help, especially since she seems fine after they occur, and the doctors can only go by our description.
Baby Help Line Response:
Hi Mom!
How frustrating to not being able to find out what is wrong. And since I am not a doctor, nor am I lucky enough to meet your darling daughter, I might not be able to help you much either.
One thing comes to my mind though. Have you considered at all if her gasping may be due to some mild form of acid reflux (or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) as it is really called)? As you may know, acid reflux in various degrees is very common among infants and some of the symptoms are a lot of spitting up, poor sleep, poor weight gain, episodes with trouble breathing, arching back when feeding, frequent hiccups and more.
Babies that have acid reflux have a condition which allows food and stomach acid flow back up (reflux) into the esophagus. When the food is flowing up into the mouth, the baby can have trouble breathing, may choke, it may be painful etc.
Since the gasping and trouble breathing comes when you lay your daughter down, and then it goes away when you pick her up, it does sound to me as if it could have to do with stomach content disturbing her.
Do you see any connection between feeding her and the problems occurring? If this makes any sense, contact a paediatrician to discuss acid reflux as a possible cause.
It might be good for you to know that most babies outgrow the condition at around 12 months old.
Hope this helps and good luck! And please let me know about your progress!
/Paula
The information provided on this site is not intended nor recommended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care professional regarding any medical condition or treatment. Nothing contained on this site is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.
Comments for
Daughter Gasps Sometimes When Laid Down
It is amazing reading your story. It is exactly what is happening to my son, it only happens during diaper changes and the episodes last about 20 seconds. He does seem to be in pain. The first episode was at 3months, then at 6 months, then once a month, and now every other week to once a week. He is one year old. My doctor suggested it could be acid reflux, but my son barely ever spits up. He has referred me to see an ENT doctor to see if there is a blockage in his throat, if that does not find anything then a GI doctor. Have you learned any more about your daughters condition? The episodes are scary and I don't want to worry anymore. Concerned mom
May 15, 2008
My Daughter Just Started this Too by: Anonymous
My 10 week old just started this gasping thing when I go to change her. As soon as I lie her down and lift her legs to change the diaper she makes this little gasp sound, like someone gasping for air when drawing in their breath. She got so scared herself she started crying really hard and didn't want to be put down. It is really frightening as her tummy sucks in and gets tense. She didn't turn blue or anything, just the noise. I am going to the doctor tomorrow for her 2 month check up & shots and I'll hopefully find out what is going on.
I will not be getting much sleep tonight!
Jul 08, 2008
infant breathing and diaper changes by: Sandy
This breathing thing has happened with my daughter too. My husband and I first noticed it when she was about 3 months old she made a gasping noise and then it was over, she then started gasping every now and again with dirty diapers, I don't know if that is just a coincidence or not, but only one time has it happened with a wet diaper. One time she did it several times in a row and got a look of panic on her face and was wiggling around like she couldn't breath, she never turned blue and started breathing normal when I picked her up, but then proceeded to cry really hard. The next day I brought her to our MD and he said infants have immature vocal cords and they can collaspe when the baby sucks in, he said it is congenital and that she should outgrow it by the time she is 6-18 months. He called it stridor, so I looked it up on the internet and I found what he had already told me and they just need to outgrow it, but I also found some articles that said it could be caused from reflux. My daughter rarely spits up, but I did find an article that stated infants with GERD do not necessarily spit up. I talked to our MD regarding the reflux theory, but he still felt it to be congenital...whatever it is it scares us so if anyone finds a way to make it stop will you please let me know?? I can't imagine dealing with this for another 2 months to a year!
Jul 11, 2008
What I found out by: Anonymous
I had posted earlier about my son and have seen a couple doctors since. I noticed my son has these episodes whenever he has a diaper rash (My son never really spits up at all, not the only sign of reflux I learned). A diaper rash appears when introduced to new foods, so maybe the new food is also causing the acid reflux.
He is now 15 months old. Things have progressed since he is now on table food, he is uncomfortable at night and is in pain. A burp helps and he falls right to sleep, but a burp will not always come out.
What I found out...I was referred to an Ears-Nose-Throat doctor. When I described the sympotms she said it was acid reflux for sure. She told me that even adults will wake up in the middle of the night having one of these episodes. The acid reflux is very painful, and if it comes in contact with the vocal cords they will close up causing a baby to gasp for air (just like in some adults).
She said he should out grow it in a year or so. She prescriped a childs "prilesec (not sure on spelling". I give it once a day. He has only been on it for a week, and they say it could take up to 6 weeks to be effective. She also told me that dairy is the number one culprit of acid reflux. So we changed his milk to soy...but I have not seen any difference as far as sleeping through night.
My pediatricition said there is no proof if milk causes it or not. He said it is just trial and error of what works, stay away from acidic food.
I will post again to keep you all updated on if the medicine works. She said he would only be on it for a year. Honestly I am uncomfortable with giving medicine to him every day, but he is so uncomfortable and the episodes are very scary.
Sep 30, 2008
Gasping for Air by: Toni
Please someone HELP!!!!
my son who is 5 months old gasp for air for several times for ex: he gasp when being upset, or just watching television in his glider.
I have taken him to the doctor, she listened to his chest and found it to be clear she requested i take him to the hospital for Xrays to which they found nothing wrong.
I have noticed he does not gasp while sleeping on his belly, i know they say they it is bad for a baby to sleep on their belly, but i find that he sleeps through the night most comfortable that way... While I lay awake watching him... I will never leave him unattended. Please Someone HELP me understand why this is happening!!!!!!
Oct 16, 2008
Not sure by: Anonymous
I can't say why this is happening....but to the person who posted they will be putting their baby on it's belly, My daughter does the same thing occasionally with the breathing, she is 6 weeks, and I also put her on her belly to sleep, she sleeps longer and deeper and has no problems breathing, but I bought one of those angel monitors and it works awesome! Hope that helps!
Dec 22, 2008
gasp/wheeze by: brandy
my 6 mo daughter does this a lot, i think she is just exasperated. it sounds like a cross between a wheeze and a gasp. she dose it when she is frustrated.
Jan 02, 2009
Thank you by: new daddy in CT
I just checked the web for this topic and unforuntatly we ( Moma and I ) thought this sound was our little 9 week old angel starting to laugh. So i believe we incouraged it a little, but we will keep an eye on her & consult the Dr in 2 days during our scheduled apointment.. Very helpful and thank you all for posting your experance.
Jan 07, 2009
Gasping for breath by: Anonymous
My daughter's baby who is one month old is exhibiting this behavour a lot.
This has been happening since he was born, the doctor said he is healthy but it appears that the episodes are becomming more frequent.
I can see the panic on the baby's face when this is happening.
My daughter has slept with the baby on her tummy since he was born, she is frightened to put him in a crib.
The idea of him sleeping on his tummy may be a possible solution.
Jan 11, 2009
my daughter does this too by: Anonymous
I have a 2 month old and she has done the gasping noise since she was 2 weeks old...it scares the heck out of my husband and I. I do notice she does it when she is laying down and not when she is upright or on her tummy.It just seems like she can't breath.Sometimes she will do it a couple times in a row.After examining her My doctor also said this was reflux although she rarely spits up.She does get hiccups a lot.I am breastfeeding her, I don't know if that makes any difference.As a mom I can't help but worry regardless of what my doc says.Hearing that other people are going through this also makes me feel like this may be more normal than not...its just so strange that this never happened to my son.
Jan 13, 2009
update by: Anonymous
I was one of the first to comment here when my son was younger. He is now almost two. The doctor swears it is reflux and he is on reflux medicine...is it helping...don't know. The gasping only happens when he is in pain while I am changing his diaper and he has a diaper rash. The doctor says stomach fluid will come up his pipes and hit the opening to his lungs making him gasp. I think there is more to it, but I have had him check out by a ENT, a gasterologist specialist. He does get the hicups ALL the time..pretty intense hicupps evey time he laughs. Other than that he is healthy and a very happy little boy. I am don't think I will figure it out until he is old enough to tell me what is going on. So it is just a day at a time.
Jan 28, 2009
new dad by: Dad
My 9 week old daughter just started this, she is in hospital with her mother now while i do some research on it. She woke up gasping for breath, or like something was squeezing her wind pipe. and it lasted about 10 mins. we phoned 999 to be on the safe side.. i hope its nothing too serious.
Feb 06, 2009
gasping for air/hiccups/etc. by: Anonymous
my daughter is 2 years old in a few days and she has been having this whole gasping thing since she was only 1 week old. it sounds like she cant breath for about 10-15 seconds and there is absolute terror in her eyes as it is happening. it scares the hell outta me every time it happens. we have been to the doctors a million and one times it seems and they always tell us the same thing.. that its normal for most babies to have this happen to them. i guess most babies/toddlers have this problem. it is really common. since it doesn't last too long it doesn't worry me all that much any more cause i know it'll just go away. although i am worried that next time could be worse. i hope not but its always in the back of my mind. her doctors appointment is coming up in about a week so i am going to talk to the doctor about getting some GERD testing done to make sure that's what it is.. anyways, thank all of you for all your comments. it really does help to know there is other people out there with the same problems as us! thanks again...
Ashez
Mar 01, 2009
finally by: nora
this happen to my daughter shes 3 months old ..for 5 days now many times aday .it happens only when shes lying down on her back gasping its like when u blow in babies face ..its really scarry thing i went to the ER ishow the doctor the video i record she said shes fine i explaind to her every thing but she didnt give me the answer i need i just want to know what is that???? and what to do ??she didnt know what happed to my daughter..thank you sooo much i finnaly find the comfort iwas really sad i had all the crazzy thoughts.. i will go to her doctor next week i hope she can help.. again thanks alot
Mar 02, 2009
gasping when being changed by: Anonymous
This has happened to my son too. It is terrifying. He gasps/squeals and seems like he can't catch his breath. It's only happened three times in his life(thank god) but all during changing a diaper. I think it is due to diaper rash as he has had a rash each time he's had an "episode." My theory (and it's just a theory!) is that he gasps due to the pain of the rash and he either a) sucks some saliva into his windpipe and starts to panic or b) gasps quickly in pain causing some sort of reflux reaction causing more pain and gasping. You can see how scared he is when it happens...he hasn't been diagnosed with GERD but the doc did feel he had a little reflux when younger. He has frequent hiccups and still spits up at 9 months. I don't know if this helps anyone but you are not alone if this happens to you and I completely feel your fear and anxiety related to this. If I get any more answers I'll add to this discussion.
Mar 05, 2009
still happening by: Anonymous
I have been reading this column since it started. They are all the same...so this is reasurring...i think. To the last entry. Your connection to the diaper rash is exactly it with my son. At least that is what the specialist said. the diaper rash hurts causing some acid reflux...which hits the opening to the lungs (not sure of name)....that clinches shut to prevent fluid from entering and hence the gasping. still scary. My son is almost two..and I just cannot wait until he can just tell me what is wrong. I get worried about the constant hiccups. If my son is giggling or laughing a lot he gets them. I always stop making him laugh then....which I don't want to stop making him laugh.
Mar 11, 2009
Crazy noise by: Anonymous
Amen to this sight!!! My baby has been doing the same thing since she was about 2 months. It is getting worse!!! I have been to two doctors and they tell me she will grow out of it. She only does it when you lay her down after she eats or poops. She starts gasping for air, her stomach blows up, and a little hole appears in her chest. It is so so scary!!!! She never looks like she is struggling for breath. We watch her and make sure she is breathing. Sometimes she is doing this crazy noise and smiles at us. I hate this!!!! I feel so much better after reading this sight.
Mar 11, 2009
New mom with 4 mth old daughter by: Jackie H.
I'm so happy I found this site with everyones comments. My daughter also gasps for air when she is laid down for a diaper change. She has only had one moderately bad diaper rash, so I think its safe to dismiss that symptom. One parent on here mentioned "stridor". I googled stridor and found some very insightful sites. I suggest everyone with a child gasping for air check this out. One symptom I read to look for is to see if your childs chest sinks in when ever they gasp for air. My daughter's pediatrician also said it sounded like reflux, but my daughter never acts like she's in pain when these gasping spells happen. I've noticed that they occur more when she gets really excited, so stridor or a blocked airway seems to make the most sense to me. The gasping spells have been happening more frequently, but she also seems to be recovering better from them. For example, the first time she had her gasping spell she freaked out and I freaked out. I immediately scooped her up and started to pat her on her back. She coughed a little and started to scream her "scared" scream...not a "I'm in pain" scream. Now when the gasping spells happen, I talk to her calmly and ask her if she's ok. Sometimes she'll stop gasping and smile at me. Other times she may continue to gasp and I'll pick her up, but she doesn't freak out like she did the first few times it happened. I think the best thing any of us parents can do is to try not to freak out ourselves. I've noticed that my daughter picks up on my emotions so easily and she responds accordingly. The calmer we all are, the calmer our children are and the easier it is for them to get through the gasping spell. While researching stridor, I found out that the specialist who should evaluate my daughter is called a pediatric otolaryngologist. They specialize in ear, nose, and throat problems. So I'm going to find one for my daughter to have a consultation. No offense to my daughter's pediatrician, but my gut tells me her gasping has nothing to do with reflux. My husband thinks I'm over-worrying and looking too much into it, but he hasn't seen her have a bad gasping spell and I'm going to do what ever I can to find answers about this. Good luck to everyone on here looking for answers. Keep up the great work and follow your gut. You're never wrong or "over-worrying" when it comes to asking questions and seeking answers about your child's health!!!!
Apr 20, 2009
OMG THANK GOD THERE ARE PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM! by: TIFFANY LI, NY
MY DAUGHTER IS 3 AND A HALF MONTHS OLD AND SHE DID THIS FOR THE FIRST TIME TONIGHT WHILE GETTING HER DIAPER CHANGED(LIKE 3-4 TIMES)...SHE HAS BETWEEN MILD AND SEVERE GERD AND IS ON BABY ZANTAC, WE TRIED TO GET HER TO DRINK FORMULA 2 NIGHTS AGO AND SHE VOMITTED 4 TIMES AT 3AM, SO I AM JUST CONTINUING THE BREASTFEEDING...I WAS SO SCARED THAT I CALLED THE EMERGENCY NUMBER FOR HER PED. AND SHE SAID TO MAKE SURE THAT SHE SLEEPS PROPPED UP EITHER IN BED OR THE INFANT SEAT...WE ARE GOING TO SEE HER TOMORROW MORNING, BUT IT IS SCARY!!!! SIDE NOTE: AS I WAS ABOUT TO CALL THE DR. AND CRYING I LOOKED AT MY BABY AND SHE STARTED LAUGHING HYSTERICALLY FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME, SO WHO KNOWS IF IT HAS TO DO WITH THAT! I'LL LET YOU KNOW IF I FIND ANYTHING OUT :) BUT I WILL BE UP ALL NIGHT WATCHING HER SLEEP!
Apr 26, 2009
Don't panic - at 4 or 5 months it's normal by: Anonymous
Hello,
For those of you with infants 4 or 5 months old, gasping is normal. My daughter started gasping last week (which sounds just like she's been pulled out of water in extremis), but she does it while she's laughing, or playing with toys, or not showing any signs of panic.
At that age, the pediatrician told us it's vocal experimentation, and nothing to be alarmed of. If she was to wheeze, the problem would be if wheezing showed up when she expires, not when she inspires.
Apr 26, 2009
It is more than vocal experimentation by: Anonymous
For my son it is more than gasps. He does panic..he can't breath..the gasps are true gasping for air...and his chest caves in...like it can't take any air in. My son just turned two, I keep coming back to this sight..I posted first over a year ago. It is comforting to know others are going through it. I just wish we all had more answers. My son has been on prilesec (sp) for a year..for he was diagnosed with acid reflux. I think it is more..he still wakes up in pain. Mylecon (over the counter gas medicine for babies) seems to work on the spot. Why should he need that when he is already on prilesec. the doctors want to do a scope of sorts but he would have to be put under. I think that sounds scary and drastic...But I ,...nor do any of the doctors I have seen have any answers. ...frustrating.
Jun 05, 2009
My 4 month old daughter gasps too! by: Sara
My daughter made the gasping noise for the first time when she was 4 weeks old! We were changing her diaper when it happened. We picked her up immediately but she continued doing it for about 20 seconds but it felt like 2 hours! We were so frightned we took her to the ER right away and they did a chest x ray and checked to see if she has RSV. Everything came back fine and they diagnosed her with GERD(acid reflux). So her pediatrician put her on ranitidine for the reflux but she continued to make the noise occassionally even with the meds. One day I put baby powder on her and she broke out in a huge rash and started doing the gasping noise! Come to find out baby powder can cause breathing problems!! So we stopped using it and she stopped making the noise!! Until about a week ago! We were changing her diaper and noticed her butt was a little red so we put some desitin on it and she started making the gasping noise AGAIN!! It wasnt as long as it was before but she did it again and it SCARES me!! When she make the noise she has this scared look on her face but she never turns blue!! PLEASE HELP!! im a very worried first time mommy!!
Jun 05, 2009
This is for Sara by: Jackie H.
Hi Sara. Do you know if your daughter has any kind of food allergies? I know that diaper rash and wheezing/breathing problems can be signs of allergies. Also, my pediatrician told me to keep my daughter upright for at least 30 minutes after she eats. Do you tend to change your daughters diaper shortly after she eats? If so, you might want to change her before she eats. My daughter is 7 months old now, and she still does the gasping thing, but her episodes are rare. Good luck and keep researching. It seems like everyones pediatrician has a different answer for everything. All you can do is go with your new mommy instincts and try to make the best choices YOU feel are right for your kids!!!
Jun 08, 2009
My baby had Tracheomalacia by: Anonymous
My son gasped so much when he was a newborn through several months old. He still does it when he gets excited. My doctor took a listen (he did it so often that it even happened a few times at his doctors visit, thank goodness (: ) So, he told me it was Tracheomalacia. Which is basically a weak trachea. This website explains it better. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracheomalacia Check it out to relieve your worries. But still take your baby to doctor and make sure. It scared me to death everytime Cash did this because I would swear he was going to stop breathing. My husband and I were very worried. But after Doc's explanation we stopped worrying.
Jun 08, 2009
6 year old by: Tnsuzy
My 6 yr old daughter has been doing this. It has only happened 4 times and started about a month ago. but last time was the absolute WORST!! I was on the verge of calling 911 it was so scary. It lasted 20-25 seconds with her gasping for air, eyes wide in terror, trying to breath. Seems all the entries on here are for infants and doctors say they will grow out of it, anyone have any ideas about my older daughter exhibiting the same symptoms?
Jun 09, 2009
my baby does this too!! by: Anonymous
ok so i cant believe how many other worried sick, sleepless anxious parents are out there with the same gasping noise as my 4 month old daughter. I think the gasping for air when getting the nappy changed is coz the wipe is cold or just the cool air getting to their little bums that were so warm seconds earlier!, as thats what my little one does also, but its not the diaper change gasp that worries me its the gasping for air during the night that is so so so scary!, she started this at about 1 month old she gasps so hard trying so hard to breathe and i have to pick her up and pat her firmly on the back over my shoulder to get her breathing again, when she has recovered i notice she is very sweaty and hot even though she is not overdressed and its not that hot here, i have been to many pedatricians and doctors but have been told that it is reflux, she does not have any episodes through the day nor has any other reflux symptoms like having trouble burping or painful tummy cries. i dont know what it is but it has eased a lot since she first started and it happens less frequently now, so if anyone else is in the same boat send a comment and let me know!!!!, krystal
Jun 10, 2009
Gasping while sleeping by: rainbowbrite
I ran across this site while searching for gasping while sleeping. After reading this entire thread, I'm thinking my 21 month old is currently making "gasping" sounds while she's sleeping due to the rash she got today. She has had some reflux issues when she was younger, and intolerance to milk and cheese. Today I tried to give her regular cheese (as opposed to soy) and it seems that she's still intolerant -- we noticed a rash right before putting her down to bed. She didn't want to sleep (alone at least) but finally did. I went in her room to check the temperature and noticed she was making gasping sounds, kind of sounds like when she's crying-- like a sobbing/gasping sound.
I hope it's just a consequence of her intolerance to milk and not apnea or something serious like that. I'm still taking her to see the doctor if this continues after I stop giving her dairy again.
Jun 20, 2009
2month Old Gasping while sleeping... by: Anonymous
For the last 2 weeks my son has been gasping for air during sleep only. We just did a sleep study lastnight and will get the results next week. This doesn't happen during diaper changes like others posted above. However, he has always gotten hiccups on a regular basis. Even while I was pregnant it would happen quite a few times a day. Just an observation but I would say the babies that gasp while awake and the babies that gasp while asleep have 2 different problems. It's very hard to accept docs that don't have a true diagnosis! I hope we get a answer from the results of the sleep study! I'll post the results ASAP!!! Goodluck mamas!
Jun 29, 2009
Gasps for air by: Anonymous
I too have the same problem. My daughter just turned 8 mos and she occasionally does this while getting her diaper changed. By reading some of the posts, I have noticed that they occur when she has diaper rash. Only thing I would like to mention other than the fact I feel better that this could be something minor, is that my daughter had a soft trachea when she was born. She constantly sounded like she couldn't breathe. I got used to it and it actually became reassuring at night because I could always hear her on the monitor. It was when she was quiet that I got nervous. She did outgrow this symptom. For some of you, this maybe something to look into. This symptom is constant and does not occur in episodes and also is common in newborns especially preemies. Just an FYI.
Jul 01, 2009
update by: Anonymous
I originally posted here when my son was 9 mo. old. He has had episodes about 2 times since I posted. In our case we are now almost positive the gasps relate to diaper rashes (the ONLY times they happened) so if you hadn't considered this as a cause, you may want to! We've also switched to sensitive wipes and use diaper cream more frequently to ward off any pain when we notice he's the least bit red...also make sure to use diaper cream @bedtime so he doesn't wake up with a rash. He has SUPER sensitive skin - even picking him up leaves red marks on his back!
Jul 03, 2009
20 month old gasping & unable to sleep by: Anonymous
My beautuful girl, 20 month old have the same problem. it seemed stuffy nose to us... she used to breath loud sometimes initially(we noticed this when she was 4 wks old. As she started sitting abd turning .. her sleep positions started changing(sleeping on her tummy). As she was standing and walking.. she was in so much discomfort that she used to stand up all of a sudden. As I have been nursing her since birth... this has provided a lot of comfort to my baby.She hated nappy change and after bath massage(as she was layed). We got the sleep study done her onygen level was between 98-88%. dr. said good news 4u that she doesn't have OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA. I was releived... still my baby is unable to sleep well.. gaspa a lot, cries in her sleep, mouth breath, snores at times, stops breathing. IT's very hard to see her in discomfort. she is growing fine, picking up well as per her age. I want to stop breast feeding.. I am unable to do when I see her in dicomfort. I love her.. and she is the most precious gift God has given. I want to see her health and happy in life. It's an old and famous saying ''HEALTH IS WEALTH''. Can somebody suggest how to make it better for her to sleep well. IS it true some kids outgrows it. if so what could be the approx. age.
Jul 12, 2009
Gasping and Screaming by: First Time Mother
My 5 month daughter has been vocalizing her lungs not in a pain way, but more of a letting you know way plus she gasps for air, but not in pain way either. Is this normal???
Aug 06, 2009
gasping for air by: Anonymous
My daughter turned 6 months old yesterday. This morning she made a squeaky/ wheezing sound, twice. As the day progressed she had 2 more episodes& she appeared to be gasping fo air. Each lasted a few seconds longer than the previous. The 3rd time I took her to the ER because I feared she would stop breathing. Her oxygen was 99%, temp. was 100.4 but her x-rays were normal. No RSV, flu or strep. They asked if she could have been holding her breath,any known allergies or previous history. She hasn't had any problems before. I am taking her to the Dr. in the morning. Gerd and apnea testing were suggested. She does get hiccups alot but doesn't display any other of the symptoms listed.
Aug 17, 2009
Finally!! by: Krystal
I have been researching these symptoms for months and finally found other parents experiencing this! My daughter has made these squealing gasping noises since she was 1 week old. She is now 8 months and on 15 mg of prevacid a day and I have her on 1/2 AR lipil 1/2 gentlease. The reflux is under control with the meds, but a couple times a month she still has these squealing episodes. Im just so afraid something is being overlooked. Its the most frightening thing to experience. It is always triggered by her being laid flat(usually at diaper changings as well!) It does slow down when holding her upright but sometimes continues on and off for a couple of hours. I notice that the days she does it she usually experiences frequent hiccups and more intense spitting up. I have tried figuring out what causes it but cant really put my finger on it. Feel free to email me I would love to here any advice or swap symptoms! km1206@comcast.net
Sep 11, 2009
Happened to my daughter today too by: Kiki
My daughter Isabelle is almost 8 weeks! Today when sha had eaten (formula) when I put her down to change diapers she suddenly gasped for air...since I was right there I picked her up in a second and blew in her face - she looked really scared but never started crying..and after a little while she was OK. She has a lot of hickups during the day and at times she chokes on the formula and starts coughing like she has a hard time breathing...
All this is really scary to me as well - I'm happy I found this thread knowing that this is fairly common.
Will be hard to sleep tonight though =(
Sep 25, 2009
Reflux Bubby by: ZachBrodysMum
My son who is 6 months old has done this from the moment he came out of hosiptal. He was a premmie (2months) and because he had a feeding tube for a month he now has quite bad reflux. I hate it alot. It scares me but I always make sure I put on a big smiley face and pat him on the back and say to him breathe baby breathe. If I do that he doesn't get upset or scared and cry which can sometimes make it worse. I'm hoping once the reflux goes so will the gasping. He is on medication for his reflux which does help him alot. He never goes blue or anything and it sometimes lasts for 10-20 secs. I hope this helps a little
Oct 29, 2009
Thankful not to be alone! by: Anonymous
I am so happy to have stumbled across this discussion! My almost 7 month old daughter has had now 3 episodes of "gasping", all while having a diaper changed! The episodes are pretty quick, only lasting about 15-20 seconds. She cried during the first 2, but today she didn't cry at all. I took her to the ER the first time and they assured me she was fine. The next day the pediatrician said reflux . . . I never quite believed it was reflux and I still don't think I do, but I, like so many of you, am not sure what is causing it. I'm just so thankful to have found out that she's not the only one! She is otherwise very happy and healthy.
Nov 01, 2009
daiper rash by: Anonymous
Hey, both of my kids have gone through this. The first time it happened with my son I called 911, I was so scared. I still have not got used to it all, scares the crap out of me each time. I have noticed that it happens when they have diaper rashes. So I do everything I possibly can to make sure they don't get diaper rashes. Even if they start looking like they might get one I let air get to their butts and plaster them with cream before bed. I am so glad to see all these other posts, it lets me know that it is not jsut my kids. Hope this information helps!!
Nov 15, 2009
I am relieved... by: Anonymous
....that there are others that have gone through this ordeal. It comforts me to know that this is likely not something serious but rather, is likely something she will out-grow (I hope).
This has happened to my daughter approximately 4 times. However, 3 out of the 4 times my daughter did not have a diaper rash. The same events leading up to each occurrence are that she was just fed and was followed by a diaper change. I do not recall if each occurrence resulted in a diaper change involving a bowel movement or, if she burped well prior to the diaper change.
Dec 04, 2009
try this by: chaits
my 8 week old daughter does this as well when im changing her...i read in Tracy Hogg's book that it better for them when u change them moving them up sideways rather than lifiting their legs up to wipe and change them...really helped with us...also after their feed it helps if they remain in a slightly upright position rather than flat on their backs.
Mar 26, 2010
Can't believe I found this.. she does this EVERYDAY by: Kelly
My daughter does the same gasping everyday for a month now. It happens EVERY time we change her, but also while she plays and while she sleeps. The worst is when she's in her car seat because I can't get back there to help her. My oldest son had GERD and it was nothing like this. But I know every child is different. He had projectile vomit and was never even bothered by any of it. But it is good to have something to look into. With my daughter, she is in physical distress while and immeadiatly after. The ER dr called it a choking episode (it wasn't) and the ped called it croup, but it's been so long, I know it's not either. Anyone with advice send my way. Since she does it in her sleep, I haven't slept much. For the time being she's sleeping upright, but that hasn't fixed it.
Apr 12, 2010
once a day gasps for air HELP by: Anonymous4
my daughter has been gasping for air once a day, shes 2 mths old.
she has a lot of hiccups too.
i mentioned it to th doctor but he said its normal..
im really scared that this can happen while im asleep, so she sleeps with me and every half an hr automatically i wake up to check on her.
she gasps when laying on her back and when i pick her up it stops.
im so terrified...
even when shes sleeping in the afternoon ive to keep checking on her every 5 mins.
tomorrow im going to the clinic and im gonna tell them again, just want a cure for this.
Apr 12, 2010
once a day gasps for air HELP by: Anonymous4
my daughter has been gasping for air once a day, shes 2 mths old.
she has a lot of hiccups too.
i mentioned it to th doctor but he said its normal..
im really scared that this can happen while im asleep, so she sleeps with me and every half an hr automatically i wake up to check on her.
she gasps when laying on her back and when i pick her up it stops.
im so terrified...
even when shes sleeping in the afternoon ive to keep checking on her every 5 mins.
tomorrow im going to the clinic and im gonna tell them again, just want a cure for this.
Jun 11, 2010
we are using a apnea monitor by: Anonymous
My son is 2 months old. He gasps for air a lot at night time when he goes to bed.It happens all the time. I have been to the doctor and they think it is reflux. The other night he choked really bad while eating (I nurse him)to where he wasnt breathing. I had to yell for my husband to come up and help me to get him to breath. We took him to the ER and had him checked out. He was fine. They even did a chest Exray and that was fine too. I took him to the doctors the next morning and told them I am so scared now when he is gasping for air that he will choke like he did. The doctor ordered for us to get a apnea monitor. It is great. It shows every heart beat and every breath he takes. It makes me feel so much better. The monitor has not gone off at all and he has been on it for 2 days now. It makes me feel better because if he was to stop breathing the alarm on the monitor would go off. My conclusion is that he has mild reflux and it is not affecting his heart rate or his breathing.
Jun 14, 2010
gasping for air and acid reflux by: lelemorgiemommy
my daughter is 5 weeks old and she has a gasping/spitting up/sucking problem as well. it is purely related to acid reflux. for spitting up we did have to switch her formula and she is on Zantac which has helped tremndously. Also, we feed her upright and burp her frequently and then keep her sitting up for 30-60 minutes after feedings. Change diapers and play with them before feeding to prevent having to lay them on their backs, this also helps with spitting up. As far as the gasping sounds, it is caused by the reflux. The acid irritates the esophogus and causes them to sort of gasp for air for a moment. Just think of what acid reflux is like for you as an adult and imagine how a baby feels. It is hard for her to sleep at times, especially at night, the only place I can get her to sleep comfortably is either me holding her on her tummy, or propped up in a beanbag chair or a bouncy seat. she cannot and will not lay on her back because it causes her too much pain. She also has frequent times where she will be trying to fall asleep and will all of a sudden start squirming and whining as if she is in pain. it gets hard for her to sleep at times, especially in the evening. A lot of the problems I've read on here all seem to be the same symptoms of acid reflux that my daughter has, and unfortunately, there are only certain measures you can take, but it will go away eventually. but if you are still worried, then just call your pediatrician.
Jun 28, 2010
gasping while sitting on bouncer by: Anonymous
My daughter is eight weeks old. She strains a lot when she pees. She has wet diapers with each feeding but lately has problems pooping. Yesterday she went without pooping. Today I continued to strain and no poop. I sat her on her bouncer, five minutes later she gasped for air three time. I immediately picked her up and sure enough she smelt like pooped. She had smelly poop and as I was changing her she continued to poop with ease. My question is why did she gasp? Was it due to pushing out the poop or is there a serious problem?
Jul 09, 2010
my daughter does this too by: Carrie
My daughter is two months old and she has done this several times now. I also have two other children that have done the same thing and we rushed them to the hospital when it happened. I do think that it may be acid reflux, but it is so scary. When she does it her eyes start watering and she immediately starts screaming when she is finally able to catch her breath. My other children only did this one time and never again after that. My two month old has done it atleast 5-6 times now and it does not seem to be improving. She sleeps in her bouncy seat every night because I am afraid to put her in her crib due to the fact that she frequently spits up as well. I have asked her Dr. and he said that he did not know what could be causing this. With four kids I think that I know what I am talking about and that there really is a reason to be concerned. I hope that she will eventually outgrow this and soon! All you first time parents that are experiencing this with your babies are completely right and are not over reacting. This is not normal. I wish that I could explain it better to her Dr. and that he would seem a little more concerned and try to find out what it is. There is nothing more frustrating and heart breaking than to have your baby be in pain and scared and you cannot do anything to help them.
Jul 15, 2010
Gasping While Getting Diaper Changed by: Anonymous
Thanks Everyone for posting!!! I don't no what i would have done with out this website!!
My 3 month old has done this 2 times other than today. Today he has done it at every diaper change, he also has a bad diaper rash right now from pooping a litle last night and not being changed till the morning. The second time it happened we rushed him to the ER at one in the morning. They checked him out, did a chest x-ray everything was normal they said it was just him figuring out how to breathe through his mouth. I didn't think it was just that he was gasping and his chest was sinking in like he couldn't breathe, it scared the Crap out of me and my boyfriend. After reading everything i honestly do think its from the pain of his diaper rash. He is a 15 lb. healthy, happy, and very active 3 month old. If his wheezing starts to become more frequent or happen when he does not have a rash i will be bringing him in again and posting on this website! Also to everyone DO NOT use powder for diaper rashes, use Destin or a cream. Baby powder especially one with cornsstarch can cause breahting problems and does not treat diaper rash!!
Jul 15, 2010
mine too by: syl
this same gasping sound..does anyone remember drinking something, it goes down wrong pipe, and you have to gasp for air? it sounds just like that...LO had one episode at four months then now at five months, she has had several in two days..my doc says its gerd, he gave her meds, but i think theres more to it. with my LO, this happened consistently today four times: 10-15 mins passed after she had just eaten, she started to become uncomfortable (seated upright the whole time), then had bowel movement and the gasps started..so is it due to eating or possible painful bowel movement?? when i checked her bum, she was a bit red...so maybe pain frm bowel mvmnt caused it?? coincidence that she had just eaten AND had bowel movement right after? LO usually has only one, sometimes two movemnts per day, but today was FOUR...right after she ate, which is not the norm for her...gonna treat diaper rash and will post after treatment if her symptoms improve or not. it kills me to hear her gasp like that.
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