This kind of apnea occurs when their fragile airway is blocked. The block may be caused by mucous, or the baby may be in a position that kinks the airway. The baby tries to breathe but can't move air because of the blockage. Suctioning the airway or changing the baby's position usually relieves the problem. Again, growth and strengthening of the tissues in the airway solve this problem.
Most premature babies have both kinds of apnea.
The treatment for apnea is designed to protect the baby from stopping breathing while we wait for him to outgrow the problem. This type of monitor is called a cardiorespiratory monitor. If the baby stops breathing for too long or his heart rate drops too low, the monitor sounds an alarm to alert the staff. A nurse then immediately checks the baby to see if he needs any help. Many alarms are false alarms because the monitor did not measure the breathing or heart rate correctly.