What is the primary cause of respiratory arrest in infants?

The primary cause of respiratory arrest in infants is often due to obstruction. This can occur when an object, food, or even the infant's own tongue obstructs the airway, making it difficult or impossible for air to enter the lungs. Infants have smaller airways compared to adults, making them more susceptible to blockage. Factors such as laying in an incorrect position, especially on their back while sleeping, can exacerbate the risk of airway obstruction.

While infections are a significant health concern for infants and can lead to respiratory distress, they typically manifest through symptoms such as difficulty breathing or reduced oxygenation rather than direct arrest. Congenital issues may also contribute to respiratory problems, but they are less common than airway obstruction as an immediate cause of respiratory arrest. Environmental factors can affect breathing, but they do not primarily cause respiratory arrest in the same acute manner that an obstruction can.