My baby is making high pitch noises when she inhales... Is it normal?

Hi!

Babies, especially newborns, frequently have irregular breathing patterns that can sometimes alternate between fast and slow. Some of them are perfectly harmless, while some require medical attention.

If it sounds like a high-pitched, squeaky sound when your baby breathes in, it may be something called stridor or laryngomalacia. It's usually because of excess tissue around the larynx and is typically harmless and passes when the child gets older.

If it sounds more like a whistling sound, it could also be what's called wheezing. This usually means there is an obstruction somewhere in the airway and it can be caused, for example, by a virus or asthma. Wheezing should be assessed by a doctor since the airway is obstructed in some way.

In any case, if you feel like your child is struggling to breathe, has other symptoms such as fever or a mood alteration or if you think her breathing pattern has changed in any way that concerns you, i would recommend that you see a doctor to evaluate the situation.

I hope this answers your question,

Isabelle Racanelli, pharmacy student

Supervised by Alexandre Chagnon, pharmacist

My pleasure :) Have a good day!