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The problem of incomplete lungs usually appears in premature babies, but how is incomplete lungs treated in newborns?
Treatment of lung incompleteness (Respiratory Distress Syndrome) in newborns depends on several factors, such as: the age and health of the newborn, and the symptoms he complains of. In the following, we will learn about the treatment of lung incompleteness in newborns more clearly:
Treatment of incomplete lungs in newborns
There are a number of methods through which lung incompleteness in newborns is treated, and among these methods we mention:
1. Surfactant replacement therapy
Lung incompleteness in newborns is treated by providing them with the liquid surfactant that is missing in their body through a breathing tube. To ensure that the surfactant liquid reaches the lungs, and after completing the supply of surfactant to the newborn''s body, an artificial respirator is used to support their breathing process.
This method is most effective when used in the first 6 hours of birth, and may be used several times, depending on the severity of the symptoms experienced by the newborn.
2. Continuous positive airway pressure
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treats lung incompleteness in newborns by maintaining a steady, continuous airflow into the airway, preventing airway closure.
It is given through a ventilator if the newborn is able to breathe on his own, or through a special continuous positive airway pressure device if he is unable to breathe.
3. Oxygen therapy
Lung incompleteness in newborns is treated using oxygen therapy if the blood oxygen level falls below the normal limit. Newborns are supplied with oxygen by using an incubator, tubes, ventilator, or continuous positive airway pressure device.
Special instructions when treating lung incompleteness in newborns
There are some instructions that must be followed when treating incomplete lungs in newborns, and among these tips we mention:
Maintaining calm in the surroundings of the newborn.
Carefully monitor the body temperature of the newborn.
Treat any infection the newborn suffers from immediately.
Give the newborn fluids and nutrients carefully.
The importance of treating lung incompleteness in newborns
The importance of treating lung incompleteness in newborns lies in avoiding many complications that may appear at the same time or in advanced stages of life, and among these complications we mention:
Pneumothorax
Pulmonary hemorrhage or cerebral hemorrhage.
Scarring of the lungs.
Mental disabilities.
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Blood spasm.
Kidney failure.
How can incomplete lungs in newborns be avoided?
Ways to avoid lung incompleteness in newborns are by avoiding premature birth. Among these methods we mention:
Maintaining the health of pregnant women by eating healthy food, maintaining physical activity, and performing prenatal examinations.
Commitment to the appropriate date of birth by performing a cesarean section, but it is preferable to delay the cesarean section until at least 39 weeks of pregnancy, or until the maturity of the fetus’s lungs is confirmed.
Use of corticosteroids between the 24th and 34th weeks of pregnancy, and the use of corticosteroids may sometimes continue until the 37th week of pregnancy.
