Jayna went to see the pulmonary specialist on the 5th to find out why she's wheezing and gasping for breath all the time. Turns out she has a condition called laryngomalacia. It can be somewhat common in premies, but doesn't make it any less scary. Basically, the cartilage in her epiglottis isn't developed, so when she goes to breathe in, the epiglottis collapses partially over the airway, rather than lifting to allow the air to pass. The condition is expected to worsen until she's about 6 months old, but she should grow out of it by the time she's 2 years old... a long time for a worry-wart mother!
Being a voice teacher, I was absolutely ecstatic to view her larynx in the laryngoscope. I got to see her adorable little vocal folds and I actually knew what the Dr. was talking about when he was explaining what was going on. I felt so smart ;)!
We will just keep praying that she will make it through this first 6 months!
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