Is this normal?

[Kayla's Mom]

Hi,my 11 week old daughter has GERD and has always been a noisey breather.  She is constantly congested, sneezing and coughing.  She has had episodes of wheezing, but the pediatrician says it isn't in her chest.  She does this "squeaky" squeal like breathing sometimes in her sleep and snores.  I just want to know if this is anything to worry about as our Ped. doesn't seem worried but I want a second opinion.  Thank you, Jennifer

[mykids'mom]

She may have mild tracheomalacia, which just means her tracheal tissues collapse just enough to make a sound.  My son had this as an infant, and I was concerned he wasn't getting enough oxygen, so we did a sleep study, and everything was fine.  In fact, it was always reassuring to us to "hear" him sleep (he made most of his squeaking sounds while asleep, something about how the body relaxes in that state).

[National Jewish]

The wheezing is probably sounds coming from her nose and throat.  The key items to ask are:
1. Is she eating and sleeping OK?  If she is doing both, then the noises you are hearing are not affecting her breathing significantly.
2. Is she having difficulty when she is crying or active, the same applies.

[Concerned lady]

Dear Jennifer,

Pediatric GERD can sometimes be life threatening, causing SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), so it's safest to treat her pediatric GERD effectively, as soon as possible. Has your daughter been seen yet, by a very good pediatric Gastroenterologist (stomach & digestive system specialist doctor), who knows a lot about pediatric GERD?

I suggest that you call the LUNG LINE at 1-800-222-LUNG(5864), and speak with a LUNG LINE nurse, about your daughter possibly being seen at Nat'l Jewish Medical & Research Center, in Denver, CO. And, you can also ask a LUNG LINE nurse for doctor recommendations in your area, to help your daughter get fully diagnosed and treated.

There's a supportive forum for parents, about pediatric GERD, at <a href=http://www.reflux.org>http://www.reflux.org</a>

Good luck to you.

Sincerely, Concerned lady
<a href=http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com>http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com</a>

[ozark]

with reflux, you can have irritation high up in the esophagus which may contribute to her squeal....do you have the head of her bed up at night?  also you should have her upright for at least an hour after feedings in an infant seat or  put her on her right side with a prop on her back and front to keep her from rolling over.for about an hour with the bed up....then you can put her on her left side....your stomach empties on the right as i'm sure you know.......the other thing  do you thicken her feedings?  regarding her breathing  sometimes the reflux can cause pressure on her esophagus causing babies to sometimes have difficulty breathing or some apnea...also with constant mucous up in the esophagus from the irritation can contribute to this....a humidifier is a good idea ......i hope she outgrows this as some babies tend to after there muscles strenghthen.....good luck...i know this is scary as you are constantly watching her breathing....obviously if she has any difficulties she needs to go to the er............

[Concerned lady]

You can ask a LUNG LINE nurse about your baby possibly being seen at Nat'l Jewish, or, try to get some doctor recommendations in your area, from the LUNG LINE nurse.

A good pediatric Allergist, may be able to help, if your baby's reflux is at least partly related to food sensitivities. This can help you to avoid thickening the formula with foods that the baby may be sensitive to (commonly "allergenic" foods include, at least, corn, glutenous grains like wheat, rye, oats, barley, buckwheat, etc., cow's milk, etc.) A pediatric Allergist can help you more, with this.

You may also need another second opinion from another pediatric gastroenterologist.

Seeing a pediatric ENT/Ear, nose & throat specialist, and, a pediatric Pulmonologist (lung doc), can help to find out if anything else, in addition to the reflux (&/or causing worse reflux), is happening that needs to be treated.

Sincerely, Concerned lady
<a href=http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com>http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com</a>

[Kayla's Mom]

Hi, yes she has been seen by a pediatric GI and has been diagnosed with borderline reflux.  she had an endoscopy to determine this.  She is on nutramigen formula, prilosec and carafate, she was on reglan but had side effects from it and we tried prevacid but she hated the taste and projectile vomited when we gave it to her.  She has a squeal like breathing, not a seal like breathing.  She has had croup, but this is not croup.  I believe that her breathing is from the reflux, I just wanted other peoples opinions, thank you all, Jennifer

[AndyRRT]

Sounds like your baby could have croupe. Her cough may sounds like a "barking seal" as we say in the NICU. Croupe is a virus that effects the upper airway. It usually presents in kids 6 months to 5 years of age. In other terms, its just a really bad cough that is self limiting and will run its course.

Keep her well hydrated. A room humidifier may help loosen some of the secretions. Keep an eye on her respiratory efforts. Make sure when she unhales her chest doesn't suck in. If it does, then take her to an emergency room immediately.

As with any medical forums where one looks for answers, consult your childs physicial before implying any such therapies.

-Andy,RRT,CPFT