Even though this is an older post its been bmped, so I figure I can respond and maybe help someone else. These episodes are called ALTE’s (apparent life threatening events). They used to be called by a lot of other names, such as”failed SIDS events” and “aborted crib death”. My second born had one at 5 weeks, and we rushed her to the hospital due to it. I never got much information, other than it was due to reflux and she was put on the Previd Solutabs.
My newborn had one the night she was born, and has continued to have at least one day almost every day since. Thank goodness the pediatrician on duty at the hospital that weekend was able to diagnose her and tell me exactly what was going on.
The way they were described to me is due to the reflux issue and usually a weak cardia (lower esophageal) sphincter the infant can violently reflux to the point its almost like vomiting. For my LO she shoots formula out her nose and mouth. At this point the upper esophageal sphincter clamps shut in order to keep the liquid from the lungs, hence the child is unable to breathe and begins to turn blue and almost have a seizure trying. It comes down to the fact they are fighting their own bodies reflexes, and the harder they fight the harder it is for them to get that sphincter to relax and give them air. Pretty much all you can do is make sure their airway is clear, and try to calm and soothe them until they are able to relax enough the sphincter stops spasming and they can calm down and breathe.
I was told that it is unlikely they can die from this, and that the worse that can happen is they will pass out if it goes on long enough, at which point they will relax and be able to breathe on their own. This is not very calming information, and for me every single episode is gut wrenching. They PROBABLY won’t die, but still there is that miniscule, slim chance something might happen, isnt there. This is why I have my little one on a sleep apnea monitor so that at least I can get a few minues sleep at night, that is when she allows me to.
I have noticed for the most part that these issues do occur in my LO after feedings for the most part. So I do work on keeping her upright as much as possible before during and after feedings, and I am working on getting her medication to an effecive level. Also do NOT jostle them around after feeding, as this seems to aggravate the issue.
There is some info on the net about them, but its slim pickings. Mostly i’ve had to learn directly from my pediatrician about it. What I find sad is so many other health care workers whom I’ve tried to talk to about this have NO idea what I am talking about. I’ve also noticed on this board so many similar instances, and people unsure of what is happening. I hope this info helps them and anyone else it is able to.
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:so glad you found us!~laura
For us, what really helped with my OAL is nursing on one side per feed and nursing lying down. Hope this helps a little!
