Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome SIDS, also called crib or cot death, the unexplained sudden death, usually during sleep, of an apparently well infant. In the United States, SIDS is the third leading cause of death in infants between two month and 12 months of age. It primarily strikes babies one to six months old57 percent of SIDS victims are 3 to 4 months old and 95 percent are fewer than six months old. Since 1989, when higher than 5,600 infants died of SIDS, the many cases has decreased steadily within the United States.

In 1998 about 2,800 infants died of SIDS. About 60 percent of infants who die of SIDS are males. Native American and African American infants are at highest risk. Studies display an association between SIDS and one or more risk factors. SIDS is more common in infants with little birth weightsthose weighing 2.

5 lb or fewer at birth. SIDS is more common in infants whose mothers are below 20 years old, unmarried, have had inadequate prenatal care, did not breast-feed the infant, or have higher than one infant. There is a higher incidence of SIDS between infants whose mothers smoked during pregnancy or subsequent to birth. Risk also increases in households where the father or another family member smokedresearch indicates that infants exposed to cigarette smoke only subsequent to birth are twice as likely to die of SIDS. Use of illegal drugs during pregnancy is another primary risk factor.

Despite the different risk factors, the cause of SIDS remains unknown. Many researchers suggest that infants who die of SIDS are born with undetected conditions that make them more vulnerable to physical and environmental stresses. Most theories related to the actual cause of death focus on difficulties with breathing. Insufficient exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide within the lungs should be caused by blockage regarding the space passages, faulty breathing reflexes, or problems with the brain's regulation of breathing. Abnormal heart rates or rhythms shall also be involved in these deaths.

A 1998 read by researchers in Italy showed that babies who hold a heartbeat abnormality known as long Q-T syndrome are 41 times as likely to die of SIDS as babies with normal heartbeats. Other likely contributing factors with poor muscle tone and unstable body temperature. In cases of sudden, unexpected infant deaths, SIDS is listed as the cause of death only subsequent to all other likely causes are eliminated within brain defects, heart disease, acute sudden illness like meningitis, or child abuse. A thorough examination regarding the infant, within a done autopsy, examination regarding the infant's sleeping environment, and review regarding the health related the past of most the victim and parents, is conducted in all suspected SIDS cases. While the cause of SIDS remains unknown, recent advances in prevention have targeted significant risk factors.

In 1992 the American Academy of Pediatrics AAP recommended that infants be placed on their backs to sleep. One read located that since this recommendation was created public, the rate of SIDS decreased by 38 percent within the United States between 1992 and 1996. This AAP recommendation is for well infants only. A physician shall suggest another sleeping position if an infant has a condition that affects breathing or swallowing. An infant's crib should be furnished with a firm mattress that fits snugly against the crib's sides.

Infants sleeping facedown on soft surfaces for example h2o beds, beanbags, or pillows, shall shape a hollow pocket near the face on the sleeping surface. This pocket shall cause infants to inhale their own carbon-dioxide-rich exhalations and suffocate from oxygen deprivation. Heavy bedding and soft stuffed animals that can trap space within the bed should also be avoided. Research indicates that overheating from too many clothing, exceptionally warm bedding, or a warm room shall significantly increase the risk of SIDS for an infant with an usual cold or other infection. A constant indoor heat of 20 to 21 C 68 to 70 F shall minimize overheating.

Breast-feeding appears to decrease the risk of SIDS, apparently due to the fact that it helps prevent respiratory, gastric, and intestinal illnesses, infections, and sure immune disorders that shall make infants more susceptible to SIDS. Eliminating smoking around the baby also decreases risk. A doctor shall recommend the use of a heart and respiratory monitor for babies at high risk for SIDS. This mechanical system sounds an alarm when the baby stops breathing or when the heart rate is too high or low. Infant caretakers are encouraged to read cardiopulmonary resuscitation CPR in case an infant stops breathing look Artificial Respiration.

SIDS is a devastating function for parents, who need help and reassurance for many months afterwards. SIDS help groups, comprised of other parents who have had similar experiences, should be particularly valuable. Click Here To Discover How to Treat Infertility Naturally; Without Drugs or Surgery.