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PICU care for children at Vardaan Hospital in Patiala
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Is Your Child Breathing Too Fast? Warning Signs Every Parent Should Know

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Is Your Child Breathing Too Fast? Warning Signs Every Parent Should Know A cough can sound much worse at night. You may find yourself watching your child sleep, wondering: “Is this normal, or is my child struggling to breathe?” The answer is not always in how loud the cough sounds. It is often in how hard your child is working to breathe, how they are behaving and whether they can drink or feed normally. Most colds do not require intensive care. But children, especially babies, can become unwell quickly. Knowing a few signs can help you decide when to seek medical attention. Get emergency help immediately If your child has blue or grey lips, stops breathing or has breathing pauses, is struggling for every breath, cannot speak or cry because of breathlessness, or is floppy or difficult to wake, go to the nearest emergency department or call 112 in India. Do not delay emergency care to reach a particular hospital. When is a same-day doctor visit needed? Seek urgent medical advice if fast breathing continues when your child is calm, the chest is pulling in, wheezing or harsh breathing sounds appear, your child drinks much less than usual, or urine/wet nappies decrease. A baby younger than three months with a temperature of 38°C or higher needs prompt medical assessment, even if the breathing signs seem mild. If symptoms are severe or worsening rapidly, use emergency services instead of waiting for an appointment. Why do children develop breathing trouble? Breathing difficulty can have several causes. Therefore, parents should avoid trying to identify the cause from one symptom alone. For example, a viral infection may affect the small airways and cause bronchiolitis. Pneumonia can affect the lungs, while asthma can cause airway narrowing and inflammation. Similarly, croup can cause a barking cough and a harsh breathing sound. In addition, a severe allergic reaction or an inhaled object can cause sudden breathing problems. The timing and pattern also matter. For instance, doctors may ask whether your child had a cold first, whether there is a fever, or whether the breathing problem started suddenly while eating or playing. As a result, a medical examination is important when breathing symptoms are persistent, worsening, or concerning. What can parents do while arranging help? Keep observing. Notice the effort of breathing, alertness and whether your child can drink. Recheck often, including overnight when ill. For a mildly congested baby who is otherwise breathing comfortably, plain saline nose drops and gentle nasal clearing may help feeding. Follow your paediatrician’s advice. Offer small, frequent feeds if your child can feed safely. If breathing is too difficult for feeding, seek urgent medical care rather than forcing feeds. Follow an existing asthma action plan if your child has one; get urgent help if symptoms are not improving or are getting worse. Avoid smoke exposure. Do not start antibiotics, cough-and-cold medicines or new breathing treatments on your own. What will the doctor check? A paediatrician looks at more than the cough. They will assess how much effort each breath takes, check oxygen levels when appropriate, listen to the chest and consider feeding, hydration, age and underlying conditions. Tests such as a chest X-ray are use when clinically need – not automatically for every child with a cold. Treatment depends on the cause and how sick the child is. When may a child need hospital admission? Some children need oxygen, help with hydration, medicines or observation because their breathing is not improving. Hospital admission is based on the overall assessment; it is not automatic for every case of bronchiolitis, asthma or pneumonia. A doctor may recommend more intensive monitoring if a child is tiring, has breathing pauses, needs increasing breathing support or is not maintaining adequate oxygen despite treatment. What does PICU care mean for your child? PICU stands for Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. It is a place for children who need closer monitoring or treatment than a regular ward can provide. A PICU admission does not automatically mean that a child needs a breathing tube or a ventilator. The team may monitor breathing, heart rate and oxygen levels closely, treat the illness causing the difficulty and adjust support as needed. Some children improve with oxygen and medicines; others need additional help with breathing. The team reviews the child repeatedly so that treatment can be increase or reduce according to the response. What parents can ask the PICU team What is making my child’s breathing difficult? What changes are you watching for in the next few hours? How will we know that the treatment is helping? When might breathing support be reduced or ward care become appropriate? Paediatric respiratory care in Patiala At Dr. Vivneet’s Vardaan Hospital, Patiala, children with significant breathing difficulties can be assessed by the paediatric team, including Dr. Vivneet Singh and paediatric intensivist Dr. Neeraj. Their treatment decisions are guided by the child’s condition, not by a fixed machine-based approach. When clinically needed, the hospital has options for advanced respiratory support, including high-flow oxygen and specialised neonatal ventilation. Not every treatment suits every age or illness; the treating specialist decides what is appropriate. The main message for parents Do not wait for blue lips or extreme exhaustion before seeking help. If your child is breathing harder or faster than usual, feeding poorly or becoming less responsive, get them assessed promptly. Frequently asked questions Does fast breathing with fever always mean pneumonia? No. Several infections and other conditions can cause it. A clinician needs to examine the child and decide whether any tests are needed. Does every child with pneumonia need a PICU? No. PICU care is considered when a child needs intensive monitoring or additional support, not simply because of the name of the illness. Should I wait until morning if my child is breathing fast at night? Not if they are struggling, the chest is pulling in, they are feeding poorly, or you are concerned their condition is worsening. Severe signs are an emergency. Can my baby

PICU vs NICU difference in specialised child and newborn care
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PICU vs NICU What Is the Difference

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PICU vs NICU: What Is the Difference? When a child needs intensive medical care, parents may hear terms like NICU and PICU. Both provide special care, but they are for different age groups and medical needs. Knowing the difference between a NICU and PICU can help parents better understand their child’s treatment and care. What Is a NICU? NICU stands for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. It provides special care for newborn babies who need close monitoring or extra medical support. Newborns may need NICU care because of: Premature birth Low birth weight Breathing difficulties Infections Feeding problems Birth complications Low oxygen levels Conditions requiring specialised monitoring NICU teams include doctors, nurses, and other healthcare staff who are train to care for newborn babies. What Is a PICU? PICU stands for Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. It provides special care for babies, children, and teenagers who are seriously ill or need close monitoring and specialised treatment. Children may need PICU care because of: Severe infections Breathing problems Serious injuries Complications after surgery Severe dehydration or other medical conditions Heart or neurological problems Conditions requiring advanced monitoring or organ support The exact age range treated in a PICU can vary between hospitals. PICU vs NICU: Key Difference The main difference is the type and age of patients cared for. NICU PICU Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Paediatric Intensive Care Unit Mainly cares for newborn babies Cares for infants, children, and adolescents Focuses on newborn and premature care Focuses on seriously ill or critically injured children Commonly manages prematurity and newborn conditions Manages serious illnesses, injuries, and complex conditions in children Provides specialised neonatal monitoring and support Provides specialised paediatric monitoring and intensive care Both units require trained medical teams, continuous monitoring, and specialised equipment. When Does a Newborn Need NICU Care? A newborn may be admit to the NICU when they need more medical support than a regular newborn care unit can safely provide. For example, premature babies may need help with breathing, staying warm, feeding, or monitoring their vital signs. Some full-term newborns may also need NICU care because of infection, breathing problems, low oxygen levels, or other health issues. The decision depends on the baby’s condition and the assessment of the neonatal team. When Does a Child Need PICU Care? A child may need PICU care when they require close monitoring, intensive treatment, or specialised medical support. The PICU team may closely monitor breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other important health signs. Some children may need breathing support, medicines through an IV, or other intensive care based on their condition. Is NICU More Serious Than PICU? Not necessarily. NICU and PICU both care for patients who need a higher level of medical support. The main difference is the patient’s age, condition, and type of care they need. A newborn may need NICU care because they were born early, while an older child may need PICU care because of a serious infection or injury. The level of care is decide by the treating medical team after assessing the child’s condition. What Happens in a NICU or PICU? Both units provide continuous monitoring and specialised medical care. Depending on the child’s needs, care may include: Continuous monitoring of vital signs Respiratory support Medication and IV treatment Nutritional support Blood tests and other investigations Specialist consultations Close observation by trained healthcare professionals The medical team usually keeps parents informed about their child’s condition, treatment, and progress. Can Babies Be Treat in a PICU? In some hospitals, very young babies may receive care in the PICU. This depends on their condition, age, available facilities, and the hospital’s care guidelines. However, newborns who need special neonatal care are usually treat by a neonatal team in a NICU or specialise newborn care unit. The appropriate unit depends on the baby’s medical needs. Can a Child Move From NICU to PICU? In some cases, a child may need to move to another specialised unit or hospital as their medical needs change. For example, a newborn may first receive care in the NICU and later need PICU care as they grow or if their medical needs change. The treating medical team makes these decisions based on the child’s clinical condition and the level of care required. Why Is Specialise Intensive Care Important? Newborns and children have different medical needs. Their bodies, organs, medicine needs, and responses to illness can change with age. That is why intensive care units use special equipment, monitoring systems, and healthcare teams trained to care for different age groups. Early assessment and timely medical care can be important when a child develops serious symptoms. Conclusion NICU and PICU both provide specialised intensive care, but they care for different age groups. NICU care mainly focuses on newborn babies, including premature or medically fragile babies. PICU care is for infants, children, and teenagers who need close monitoring or intensive treatment. If your child needs intensive care, the medical team will choose the right unit based on their age, condition, and specific healthcare needs. Dr. Vivneet Vardaan Hospital provides specialised neonatal and paediatric care for newborns and children who need close monitoring and advanced medical support. Follow up Instagram and Facebook for more information. Frequently Asked Questions What does NICU stand for? NICU stands for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. It provides special intensive care for newborn babies who need close monitoring or extra medical support. What does PICU stand for? PICU stands for Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. It provides special intensive care for babies, children, and teenagers with serious illnesses or injuries. What is the main difference between PICU and NICU? NICU mainly provides specialised care for newborns, while PICU provides intensive care for babies, children, and teenagers who need advanced medical support. Is PICU only for children? PICU is design for children who need intensive care. The exact age range may vary depending on the hospital and its services. Does every premature baby need NICU care? No. The need for NICU care depends on

iNO therapy for newborns in NICU
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What Is iNO Therapy

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What Is iNO Therapy? A Complete Guide for Parents When a newborn has trouble breathing, doctors may use different treatments to help the baby breathe and keep oxygen levels normal. One treatment is called iNO therapy, or inhale nitric oxide therapy. iNO therapy may help some newborns with serious breathing problems and low oxygen levels. It is usually give in the NICU with close medical monitoring. Understanding this treatment can help parents feel more informed during their baby’s NICU stay. This guide explains what iNO therapy is, when doctors may use it, how it works, and what parents can expect. What Is iNO Therapy? iNO therapy means inhaled nitric oxide therapy. It gives a controlled amount of nitric oxide gas directly into the baby’s lungs through their breathing system. Nitric oxide helps relax the blood vessels in the lungs. This can improve blood flow and may help the baby get more oxygen. Doctors may use iNO therapy when a newborn has low oxygen levels due to certain lung or blood vessel problems. How Does iNO Therapy Work? Nitric oxide mainly acts on the blood vessels in the lungs. It helps widen the blood vessels in the lungs. This allows blood to flow more easily through the lungs. It may also help the body take in oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. The baby usually receives iNO through a breathing support system. Doctors carefully control the amount of nitric oxide and closely watch how the baby responds. When Is iNO Therapy Use in Newborns? Doctors may use iNO therapy for some newborns with conditions such as persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). It may also be use for some babies with serious breathing problems when other treatments have not help enough. However, iNO therapy is not right for every baby with breathing problems. The neonatologist decides if it is suitable after checking the baby’s condition, oxygen levels, and overall health. What Is PPHN? Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is a condition where the blood vessels in a baby’s lungs stay too narrow after birth. This can make it difficult for blood to receive enough oxygen in the lungs. In some babies with PPHN, iNO may help relax the blood vessels in the lungs and improve oxygen levels. How Is iNO Therapy Give? iNO is usually give through the baby’s respiratory support system. Depending on the baby’s condition, respiratory support may include: Mechanical ventilation CPAP or other breathing support Other respiratory support methods recommended by the medical team The medical team uses special equipment to give nitric oxide and carefully check its levels. How Long Does iNO Therapy Last? The duration of iNO therapy is different for every newborn. Some babies may need iNO for a short time, while others may need it for longer. The medical team regularly checks the baby’s oxygen levels, breathing, blood gases, and other signs. When the baby’s condition improves, doctors may slowly reduce the nitric oxide level instead of stopping it suddenly. How Do Doctors Monitor a Baby During iNO Therapy? Close monitoring is an important part of iNO treatment. The NICU team may monitor: Oxygen saturation Heart rate Breathing rate Blood pressure Blood gas levels Lung function The baby’s overall clinical condition Response to the treatment The medical team may also do tests such as an echocardiogram to check the baby’s heart function and blood flow through the lungs. Are There Risks or Side Effects of iNO Therapy? Like any medical treatment, iNO therapy can have potential risks. The medical team carefully controls the dose and closely monitors the baby during treatment. In some cases, iNO may affect blood pressure, increase methemoglobin levels, or cause lung-related effects. Stopping iNO too quickly may cause oxygen levels to drop suddenly in some babies. Therefore, doctors usually reduce the treatment slowly when appropriate. The exact risks depend on the baby’s condition and other treatments being use. Is iNO Therapy Safe for Newborns? iNO therapy can be an important treatment for some newborns, especially those with certain types of pulmonary hypertension and low oxygen levels. However, it is not a routine treatment for every newborn with breathing difficulty. A neonatologist checks the baby’s condition and decides if the possible benefits of iNO therapy outweigh the risks. What Can Parents Expect During iNO Therapy? Seeing your baby connected to breathing equipment can feel worrying. It is normal for parents to have questions. During iNO therapy, your baby may be connect to several monitors and breathing support machines. The NICU team will closely watch your baby’s condition throughout the treatment. Parents can ask the medical team: Why does my baby need iNO therapy? What condition is the treatment helping? How will you know if it is working? How long might my baby need it? What other treatments is my baby receiving? What signs show that my baby is improving? Talking openly with the NICU team can help you understand your baby’s treatment and progress. What Happens After iNO Therapy? Once the baby’s oxygen levels and overall condition improve, doctors may slowly reduce iNO therapy. The baby may still need other breathing support or oxygen for some time. This depends on the baby’s condition and how well the lungs and heart are working. The medical team will continue monitoring the baby during this period. Why Is Specialist NICU Care Important? Newborns receiving iNO therapy need close monitoring because their oxygen levels and breathing can change quickly. A specialised NICU team closely watches the baby, adjusts breathing support, and responds quickly if the baby’s condition changes. At Dr. Vivneet Vardaan Hospital, newborns with serious breathing problems can receive specialist neonatal care, continuous monitoring, and medical support. Conclusion iNO therapy is a specialised treatment for some newborns with serious oxygen problems, especially certain cases of pulmonary hypertension. It helps relax the blood vessels in the lungs, which may improve blood flow and oxygen levels. Because every newborn is different, an experienced neonatal team should decide the treatment after carefully checking the

PICU care for children at a paediatric intensive care unit
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What Happens in a PICU

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What Happens in a PICU? A Simple Guide for Parents When your child needs intensive medical care, doctors may recommend a PICU (Paediatric Intensive Care Unit). This can feel stressful for parents. However, knowing what happens in a PICU can help you feel more prepared. A PICU provides special care for children who need close monitoring, advanced treatment, or support for serious health problems. A trained medical team closely monitors your child and provides care based on their needs. What Is a PICU? A Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) is a special hospital unit for children who need intensive medical care. It cares for babies, children, and teenagers who need close monitoring or treatment that may not be available in a regular ward. Children may need PICU care after a serious infection, injury, surgery, breathing problem, or other health condition. Treatment depends on the child’s needs and the medical team’s advice. Why Does a Child Need PICU Care? Doctors may recommend PICU admission when a child needs closer monitoring or more medical support than a regular children’s ward can provide. Some reasons may include: Severe breathing difficulties Serious infections Major injuries or accidents Complications after surgery Severe dehydration or electrolyte problems Seizures or neurological conditions Heart-related problems Problems affecting multiple organs The need for breathing or other organ support PICU admission does not always mean a child has a life-threatening condition. Sometimes, children need extra monitoring or special treatment, so doctors admit them to the PICU. What Happens When a Child Enters the PICU? When your child arrives in the PICU, the medical team checks their condition. They may check breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, temperature, and other vital signs. The team may also ask about your child’s symptoms, medical history, medicines, allergies, and recent treatments. Based on this assessment, doctors make a treatment and monitoring plan for your child. How Is a Child Monitor in the PICU? PICU staff closely monitor children during their stay. Your child may use monitors that check important body functions. Common monitoring may include: Heart rate Breathing rate Blood pressure Oxygen saturation Temperature Fluid balance Blood test results The type and amount of monitoring depend on your child’s medical needs. What Treatments Can Give in a PICU? PICU treatment varies from child to child. Some children may only need close observation, while others may need advanced medical support. Treatment may include: Oxygen and Breathing Support Children with breathing problems may need oxygen or other breathing support. In serious cases, a ventilator may help the child breathe. Medicines Doctors may give medicines to treat infections, control seizures, relieve pain, support blood pressure, or treat other health problems. Fluids and Nutrition Some children may need fluids through an IV. If a child cannot eat normally, the medical team may give nutrition through a feeding tube or another suitable method. Tests and Investigations Doctors may order blood tests, X-rays, scans, or other investigations to understand the child’s condition and monitor progress. Support After Surgery Some children stay in the PICU after major surgery so doctors and nurses can closely monitor their recovery. Who Takes Care of Your Child in the PICU? A PICU usually has a multidisciplinary team. Depending on your child’s needs, this may include: Paediatric intensivists Paediatricians Nurses trained in intensive care Respiratory therapists Pharmacists Physiotherapists Dietitians Other specialist healthcare professionals The team works together to provide ongoing care and quickly respond if your child’s condition changes. Can Parents Stay With Their Child in the PICU? PICU visiting rules can vary between hospitals. In many PICUs, parents can stay with their child. However, some limits may apply during procedures, emergencies, or certain treatments. The PICU team can explain the hospital’s visiting rules and tell you how you can safely participate in your child’s care. What Can Parents Do in the PICU? Parents can play an important role in their child’s recovery. You can: Talk calmly to your child Comfort them when appropriate Share important information with the medical team Ask questions about treatments Follow infection-control instructions Discuss feeding and other care needs with the team Take care of your own rest and wellbeing Do not hesitate to ask the medical team to explain anything you do not understand. How Long Does a Child Stay in the PICU? There is no fixed stay. It depends on your child’s health, response to treatment, and need for close monitoring or medical support. Some children may need PICU care for a short period, while others may require longer treatment. When your child is stable and no longer needs close monitoring, doctors may move them to a paediatric ward or another suitable care area. What Happens After PICU Care? After PICU treatment, the medical team continues to check your child’s recovery. Before discharge, doctors may explain medicines, follow-up visits, feeding, activity, and other care instructions. Follow the medical team’s advice and contact your child’s doctor if you notice any worrying symptoms after discharge. When Should Parents Ask Questions? It is normal to have questions when your child is receiving intensive care. You can ask the medical team about: Why your child needs PICU care What treatment your child is receiving What the monitoring equipment does What tests are being perform How your child is responding to treatment What the next steps may be When your child may move out of the PICU Clear communication helps you understand your child’s care and make decisions with the medical team. Conclusion If your child is in a PICU, talk openly with the medical team. Ask questions, follow their advice, and stay involved in your child’s care when possible. If your child is in a PICU, talk openly with the medical team. Ask questions, follow their advice, and stay involved in your child’s care when possible. Dr. Vivneet Vardaan Hospital provides specialised care for children. The team focuses on safety, careful monitoring, and each child’s individual needs. Follow up Instagram and Facebook for more information. Frequently Asked Questions Is PICU only

NICU care for low birth weight babies in a neonatal intensive care unit
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NICU Care for Low Birth Weight Babies

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NICU Care for Low Birth Weight Babies: A Simple Guide for Parents The birth of a baby brings joy to every family. However, parents may feel worried when their baby is born with a low birth weight. Such babies may need extra care during the first days of life. A low birth weight baby may have trouble with feeding, breathing, or body temperature. Therefore, doctors may suggest close monitoring after birth. In some cases, the baby may need care in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). At Dr. Vivneet’s Vardaan Hospital, newborn babies can receive expert care and close monitoring when they need extra medical support. What Is a Low Birth Weight Baby? A baby is called low birth weight when the birth weight is less than 2.5 kg. There can be many reasons for this condition. For example, a baby may be born early. In other cases, the baby may not grow enough during pregnancy. Not every low birth weight baby needs NICU care. Some babies may only need regular checks and feeding support. However, other babies may need more medical care. Doctors check the baby’s weight, breathing, feeding, temperature, and other health signs. Based on these checks, they decide the right level of care. Why Do Low Birth Weight Babies Need Extra Care? Low birth weight babies may need more time to adjust after birth. Their bodies are still developing. As a result, some babies may face simple but important health problems. For example, a low birth weight baby may have: Trouble keeping the body warm Difficulty with feeding Low blood sugar Breathing problems Slow weight gain A higher risk of infection Because of these risks, regular monitoring is important. Early care can help doctors notice changes in the baby’s health. It also allows the medical team to provide support when needed. When Does a Baby Need NICU Care? A baby may need NICU care when close medical support is required. The doctor will check the baby’s health before making this decision. Some common reasons for NICU care include: Low birth weight Premature birth Breathing difficulty Feeding problems Low blood sugar Trouble keeping the body warm Signs of infection Need for close monitoring Every baby is different. Therefore, the length and type of care can also vary. Parents should follow the advice of their baby’s doctor. What Happens in a NICU? A NICU is a special unit for newborn babies who need extra medical care. The medical team checks the baby closely throughout the day and night. The care depends on the baby’s needs. For example, some babies may need help with breathing. Others may need support with feeding or body temperature. Here are some common types of NICU care. 1. Close Monitoring First, the medical team checks the baby’s important health signs. These may include breathing, heart rate, temperature, and oxygen level. Regular checks help doctors notice any change early. As a result, the baby can get timely care when needed. 2. Breathing Support Some low birth weight babies may find it hard to breathe on their own. In such cases, the doctor may provide breathing support. The type of support depends on the baby’s condition. The medical team will choose the safest option for the baby. 3. Feeding Support Feeding can be difficult for some premature and low birth weight babies. They may not yet have the strength to feed well. Therefore, the medical team may provide feeding support. Breast milk is often encouraged when it is suitable for the baby. Parents can discuss the best feeding plan with the doctor. 4. Temperature Care Small babies can lose body heat quickly. Keeping the baby warm is important for healthy growth. For this reason, the NICU provides a controlled setting. The medical team also checks the baby’s temperature often. 5. Weight Checks Weight gain is an important part of a baby’s growth. So, the medical team checks the baby’s weight at regular intervals. These checks help doctors understand how the baby is growing. They can also adjust the feeding plan when needed. How Can Parents Help During NICU Care? Having a baby in the NICU can be difficult for parents. Still, parents have an important role in the baby’s care. First, follow the instructions given by the medical team. Also, ask questions whenever you are unsure about something. Parents can also: Keep their hands clean before touching the baby. Follow the feeding advice given by the doctor. Provide breast milk when advised. Stay involved in the baby’s care when allowed. Talk softly to the baby. Follow the baby’s treatment plan. Attend all follow-up visits after discharge. Most importantly, stay patient. Each baby grows at a different pace. The medical team can guide you through each stage. How Long Will a Low Birth Weight Baby Stay in the NICU? There is no fixed NICU stay for every baby. The time depends on the baby’s health and progress. For example, the doctor may look at: Birth weight Baby’s age at birth Breathing Feeding ability Body temperature Weight gain Overall health Some babies may become stable in a short time. Others may need longer care. Therefore, parents should not compare their baby’s NICU stay with another baby’s stay. Before discharge, the doctor will check if the baby is ready to go home. Parents will also receive instructions about feeding, medicines, follow-up care, and warning signs. NICU in Patiala for Low Birth Weight Babies Finding the right care is important when a newborn needs extra medical support. Parents searching for NICU in Patiala should look for a hospital with trained doctors, proper newborn care, and regular monitoring. Dr. Vivneet’s Vardaan Hospital provides newborn and child care in Patiala. The hospital offers care for premature and low birth weight babies. In addition, newborns can receive close monitoring and medical support when required. The hospital also provides neonatal emergency support. Parents can discuss their baby’s condition with the medical team. This helps them understand the treatment plan and the care their baby

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