Apparent Life-Threatening Event
Alternate Names : Apnea Spell, Infant Apnea, Acute Life-Threatening Episode, ALTE
What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?
When an infant arrives at an
emergency department,
he or she may appear well or may appear extremely ill. The infant's caregiver
can tell the doctors whatever symptoms have occurred. Symptoms of ALTE
may include:
bluish lips, nail beds, and skin
coughing or choking
limpness or floppy muscles
a temporary stop in breathing
If there is an underlying illness causing the ALTE, other symptoms
will often be present. These can vary widely. For example, the infant may have
symptoms such as:
convulsions
fever
high-pitched cry
lethargy
rapid breathing or slow breathing
rapid, irregular, or slow heartbeat
vomiting
|
Previous section
