Living with Infantile apnea
Pauses in breathing in newborns or older children, from a nervous system problem or a blocked airway.
Understanding Infantile apnea
It can happen because the nervous system doesn't control the breathing rhythm well, or because the air passages are blocked. It usually begins in the newborn period or infancy.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these:
- Bluish skin color (cyanosis)
- Pale skin
- Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
- Snoring (when the airway is blocked)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include lung and breathing specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Lung and breathing specialists (pulmonologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD describes two causes: a nervous system problem with the breathing rhythm, or a blockage of airflow through the air passages.
Also known as: apnea of infancy
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Infantile apnea.
Explore research for Infantile apnea
Explore actively recruiting Infantile apnea studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Infantile apnea with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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