Respiratory problem is a serious health problem for every living thing. When the body is deprived of oxygen, it begins to damage many organs, especially tissues. The same is true for babies. Oxygen deficiency in infants can have many different causes. If left untreated, it can lead to more serious problems. Oxygen therapy is used to prevent breathing problems.
Can infants be treated with oxygen?
Respiratory problems are very common in babies, especially newborn babies. This may be caused by some problems in the lungs, as well as by problems in the nervous system or organs such as the heart. In addition, problems in the lungs can occur even before birth while in the womb. One of the factors that contribute to the development of babies in the womb is amniotic fluid. If this fluid is less or more than normal, it greatly affects the lung development of babies.
One of the important factors that determine whether babies are getting enough oxygen is the rapid breathing pattern. If the baby is breathing very quickly, it is a sign of respiratory distress. Experts state that oxygen therapy is used in infants with respiratory problems.
What is newborn oxygen therapy?
Some babies may have trouble breathing soon after birth. Therefore, the issue of what causes low oxygen in babies is of great importance. Among the most basic reasons for low oxygen are the premature birth of the baby, the baby being born with the risk of miscarriage or the reasons such as cesarean section. The aim of newborn oxygen therapy is to make the lungs work.
Low oxygen levels in the blood also cause tissue damage. Respiratory distress in newborn babies can result in death if left untreated. Therefore, this form of treatment is of great importance for babies to breathe. Attention should be paid to the dose of oxygen therapy applied in newborn babies. This treatment method is applied by health personnel who are specialized in the field.
How is oxygen given to babies?
Newborn babies may have respiratory problems for some reasons. In this situation, oxygen therapy is required. This is done by healthcare professionals. First of all, the hose that will provide oxygen is placed in a way that coincides with the baby’s nostrils. Then oxygen is given as prescribed by the doctors. Experts say that the oxygen value should be between 90 and 94 percent, especially in preterm babies. With oxygen therapy, it is aimed that babies can breathe more easily.
What happens if babies are given too much oxygen?
As in every living thing, giving too much oxygen to babies can cause some negative situations. One of these conditions is an eye condition known as retinopathy. It can be defined as a disease that negatively affects the nerves and vessels in the body. When the amount of oxygen given to babies is too high, unusual problems with the vessels in the eyes can occur. Another negative side of giving too much oxygen is that it causes the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. This disease is known as chronic lung disease. Therefore, it is of great importance that oxygen therapy in infants is carried out by specialists.