Dr. Nguyen Le Ngoc, a specialist in Pediatrics at Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM, states that newborns are susceptible to numerous dangerous and rapidly progressing conditions, including infections, respiratory disorders, and neurological issues. Parents must recognize unusual signs early and seek immediate medical attention to prevent severe complications.

Changes in consciousness

One of the most concerning signs in newborns is a change in consciousness. This can manifest as excessive sleepiness, difficulty waking, slow reaction to stimuli, or unusual, inconsolable crying, possibly with a strange moaning sound. Some infants may appear less active, with unfocused, dull eyes. Stiffening of the body or unusual tremors, even a single instance, could indicate serious conditions like febrile convulsions, encephalitis, meningitis, or neurological damage, necessitating prompt medical evaluation.

Abnormal breathing

Respiratory distress signals are also critical. Infants may show chest retractions during inhalation, where the area below the ribs or at the neck hollow visibly sinks inward. Other signs include nasal flaring, wheezing or grunting sounds, and an abnormally rapid breathing rate. These symptoms suggest oxygen deficiency or respiratory failure, requiring immediate medical care.

Dr. Ngoc examines a girl with pneumonia. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Unusual pale skin

Skin and mucous membrane color are clear indicators of a child's health. Pale skin with purplish mottling can signal shock or severe infection. Bluish discoloration of the lips, fingertips, and toes indicates severe oxygen deficiency. Furthermore, a rapidly spreading red rash, particularly non-blanching hemorrhagic spots on the skin, could warn of dangerous conditions such as dengue fever or meningococcal encephalitis. Immediate medical evaluation is crucial.

Severe dehydration

Severe dehydration often accompanies frequent diarrhea, persistent vomiting, sunken eyes, dry lips, dry tongue, and excessive thirst. Affected children may have minimal or no urination for 6-8 hours, dark urine, and cry without tears. For infants under 18 months with an open fontanelle, a noticeably sunken soft spot on the top of the head is a critical indicator of severe dehydration.

Continuous vomiting

Persistent vomiting, where a child cannot keep down anything ingested, including water or fever medication, can quickly lead to exhaustion, low blood sugar, and electrolyte imbalance. Medical assessment and treatment are essential.

Dr. Ngoc warns that many parents tend to self-medicate, use folk remedies, or delay medical visits, often worsening a child's condition and making subsequent treatment more challenging. He emphasizes that ensuring full vaccination, closely monitoring health, and possessing basic medical knowledge enable parents to detect unusual signs early and seek timely medical care.

Parents should seek emergency care at the nearest hospital if their child exhibits difficulty breathing, bluish discoloration, convulsions, drowsiness, coma, high fever unresponsive to medication, persistent vomiting, or diarrhea accompanied by severe dehydration.

Minh Tam