Apnea

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Diagnosis

The doctor will being by conducting a physical examination of your baby to try and determine if the apnea is due to the premature birth or another problem.

Tests used to make a definite diagnosis may include:

• Apnea study, which monitors your baby's breathing effort, heart rate and oxygenation
• Blood tests to check your baby's blood counts, electrolyte levels and for any signs of infection
• Measurement of the levels of oxygen in your baby's blood
• X-rays to check for problems in the lungs, heart and digestive system

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated May 8, 2007