Difficulty breathing can be a telltale sign of many serious conditions in newborns, ranging from infections to developmental delays. If you are asking yourself, “Can breathlessness, rapid breathing or grunting be a sign of a serious condition?” you may want to have your child examined by a medical specialist immediately.
These may serve as symptoms of respiratory distress. A medical profession can offer more insight into the issue at hand, as well as providing you with access to any available treatment options.
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Possible Causes of Respiratory Distress
Conditions that cause babies to have respiratory issues can include, but may not be limited to the following:
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS): Most frequently seen in babies suffering from viruses, infections, or birth injuries, this condition can manifest as labored and rapid breathing, eventually causing serious complications like blood clots, collapsed lungs.
- Meningitis: Commonly known to cause breathlessness, this infection can lead to numerous serious health complications, such as hearing loss, brain damage, and death.
- Folic-deficiency anemia: This condition is caused by a deficiency in folate, B-12, and C vitamins, which can cause shortness of breath and irregular movements in newborns. More seriously, it can lead to premature births and nervous system disorders.
- Cystic fibrosis: Wheezing and habitual coughing are common symptoms of cystic fibrosis. The condition can be fatal, often shortening patients’ lives if not properly treated.
- Group B strep infections: These serious infections are passed from mother to child either in the womb or during birth. This form of strep can cause trouble breathing and eventually lead to meningitis, pneumonia, and other infections.
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How to Tell What Caused Your Child’s Condition
In some cases, medical documents will show the warning signs that should have alerted medical staff to your child’s condition that led to respiratory distress. Many conditions manifest when medical staff fails to diagnose a condition early enough, potentially making them responsible.
With modern resources, there is often no excuse for such negligence. For example, cystic fibrosis can be diagnosed through a variety of methods, including:
- Blood testing.
- Genetic testing.
- Sweat testing.
- X-rays.
For many respiratory conditions, medical staff can perform tests before the child is even born. As such, your doctor should administer these tests early in the child’s development in order to create a treatment plan. To be certain, an outside medical examination can help reveal the true culprit behind the condition.
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Medical Staff May Be Responsible for Your Child’s Birth Injuries
If evidence is available to prove their liability, you may be able to hold medical staff responsible for your pain and suffering. Today we know that many respiratory issues can be brought on by birth injuries. While some birth injuries occur naturally, most are preventable and come as the direct result of medical negligence.
Some injuries are caused by physical harm, such as using forceps improperly during the delivery. Other injuries occur when doctors fail to take preventative measures, such as failing to schedule a cesarean section when an infant is too large for a vaginal birth. This can result in injuries from a prolonged and difficult birth.
Potentially recoverable damages in birth injury cases may include:
- Mental anguish.
- Medical costs.
- Permanent disabilities.
- Expenses related to ongoing treatment.
If you believe you have been the victim of an injustice, a birth injury lawyer can be there to help investigate your case, potentially revealing the truth and proving medical malpractice.
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Lawyers Fighting for Victims of Preventable Respiratory Injuries
Here at the Birth Injury Lawyers Group, our attorneys are proud to stand up to medical professionals when they have put innocent people in harm’s way. If you are having to ask, “Can breathlessness, rapid breathing or grunting be a sign of a serious condition?” a negligent party may be to blame.
When an untreated or preventable condition causes serious complications, we know there is a chance your doctor acted negligently during the course of his or her duties. A missed diagnosis can be just as dangerous as an injury.
To learn more about our legal services, including how we can help fight for your right to compensation, contact a representative at the Birth Injury Lawyers Group today. You can receive your free consultation at (800) 222-9529.
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