**Taos Tears: Altitude Air Crashing Baby Lasers?**
By Franklin Everett ShawHave you ever witnessed a child, seemingly out of the blue, erupt in inconsolable tears while visiting Taos, New Mexico? It’s a phenomenon some locals call “Taos Tears,” and while not scientifically recognized, it’s a real experience for many families. Could a simple, at-home device offer some relief? Let’s explore the potential of red light therapy for this unique challenge.
The high altitude of Taos, sitting at nearly 7,000 feet, combined with its arid climate, can be particularly harsh on infants and young children. Their bodies are still developing, making them more susceptible to altitude sickness and dehydration. This can manifest as irritability, difficulty sleeping, and, yes, unexplained crying.
Red light therapy (RLT), also known as photobiomodulation, involves exposing the body to low levels of red or near-infrared light. This light is thought to stimulate cellular function, potentially reducing inflammation and promoting healing. While research is ongoing, some studies suggest RLT can alleviate pain, improve sleep, and even boost mood.
Could RLT be a potential tool to help mitigate the discomfort contributing to "Taos Tears"? It’s a question worth exploring, but with crucial caveats.
First, let’s understand the likely culprits behind the crying. Altitude sickness in children often presents differently than in adults. Look for these signs:
- Fussiness and irritability beyond their normal baseline.
- Difficulty feeding or refusing to eat.
- Vomiting.
- Trouble sleeping or frequent waking.
- Lethargy or decreased activity.
- Rapid breathing or increased heart rate.
Dehydration exacerbates these symptoms. The dry air in Taos pulls moisture from the body, so ensuring adequate fluid intake is paramount. Breastfed babies may need more frequent feedings, while older children should be encouraged to drink water consistently.
Now, where does red light therapy fit in? The potential benefits for altitude-related discomfort are indirect. If RLT can reduce inflammation and promote relaxation, it might help soothe an irritable child. However, it’s crucial to understand that RLT is not a substitute for established treatments like hydration and acclimatization.
Here’s a hypothetical scenario: The Miller family is visiting Taos from sea level. Their 6-month-old, Leo, becomes increasingly fussy on their second day. They’ve been diligent about breastfeeding him, but he’s still restless and cries frequently. After consulting with their pediatrician via telehealth (a must-do!), and confirming it’s likely altitude-related discomfort, they consider using their at-home RLT device.
Here’s how they might approach it, with extreme caution:
- Consult a Pediatrician: This is non-negotiable. A pediatrician familiar with altitude sickness is best. They can rule out other potential causes for the crying and advise on safe RLT usage.
- Choose a Safe Device: Opt for a device specifically designed for infants or with adjustable settings to ensure low irradiance. Avoid devices with high power output that could potentially harm a baby’s sensitive skin and eyes. Look for FDA-cleared devices, although this doesn’t guarantee safety, it indicates some level of regulatory scrutiny.
- Protect the Eyes: Never shine the light directly into a baby’s eyes. Even with closed eyelids, the light can be harmful. Use protective eyewear designed for infants, or position the device so the light is indirect.
- Start Slowly: Begin with very short sessions (1-2 minutes) at a low intensity. Observe the baby closely for any adverse reactions, such as skin irritation or increased fussiness.
- Targeted Application: Focus on areas like the chest or back, avoiding the face and head as much as possible.
- Monitor and Adjust: If the baby seems to tolerate the RLT well and shows signs of relaxation (e.g., decreased crying, calmer breathing), you might gradually increase the session duration to a maximum of 5-10 minutes, still at a low intensity.
- Document Everything: Keep a detailed log of RLT sessions, including the date, time, duration, intensity, and the baby’s response. This information will be invaluable for your pediatrician.
However, there are significant challenges and potential pitfalls. The biggest is the lack of research on RLT in infants, especially in the context of altitude sickness. We simply don’t know the long-term effects.
Another challenge is finding reliable information. The internet is rife with misinformation about RLT, and it’s crucial to rely on credible sources and expert advice.
Common mistakes parents make include:
- Using devices that are too powerful.
- Exposing the baby’s eyes to the light.
- Using RLT as a substitute for medical care.
- Ignoring signs of adverse reactions.
- Failing to consult with a pediatrician.
Let’s be clear: RLT is not a magic bullet. It’s a potential supportive therapy that should only be considered under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. Prioritize proven remedies like hydration, acclimatization, and, if necessary, medication prescribed by a doctor.
Consider this: The Johnson family, also visiting Taos, noticed their toddler, Maya, was unusually quiet and lethargic. Instead of immediately resorting to RLT, they focused on increasing her fluid intake and limiting strenuous activities. They also consulted with a local pharmacist who recommended electrolyte solutions specifically formulated for children. Maya’s condition improved significantly within a day.
The “Taos Tears” phenomenon is a frustrating experience for parents. While red light therapy might offer some comfort, it’s essential to approach it with caution, prioritize safety, and always consult with a pediatrician familiar with altitude sickness. Remember, hydration, acclimatization, and expert medical advice are the cornerstones of addressing altitude-related discomfort in children. RLT, if used at all, should only be considered as a supplementary tool, not a replacement for proven methods.