Injections to boost lung function in premature infants

For premature babies, the respiratory system is not fully developed, which has a great impact on the child and can easily lead to breathing difficulties. Severe cases can lead to respiratory distress and even symptoms such as sleep apnea. At this time, the doctor will give the child a ripening injection based on the child's specific situation. This is a relatively important method to promote the development of the child's cardiopulmonary function. Of course, this is only an auxiliary method, and ultimately the child's own body still needs to develop well.

Injections to boost lung function in premature infants

Ripening injection is the main means of treating cardiopulmonary development and resuscitation in premature babies. It should be included in almost all premature baby care, because some premature babies are severely premature and their cardiopulmonary functions are not fully developed. Therefore, in order to breathe independently, the baby must promote the maturity of the heart and lungs as soon as possible after birth. It is difficult to maintain independent breathing for long and can only be maintained by a ventilator. However, in the end, the heart and lungs still need to develop and breathe independently.

Six common complications of premature babies

1. Infection problem

Premature babies have an incompletely developed immune system and are less able to fight viruses, making them very susceptible to infection. Once infected, they can easily develop sepsis or even meningitis, so special attention is required.

2. Cardiovascular disease

If the premature baby's lung problems gradually improve, because the ductus arteriosus has not yet closed, excess blood will flow from the aorta to the lungs through the ductus arteriosus, causing heart failure and worsening lung function.

3. Respiratory diseases

Because premature babies' lungs are underdeveloped, they may suffer from breathing difficulties or even respiratory failure. Some extremely low birth weight babies may also experience respiratory distress syndrome, with symptoms such as rapid breathing and cyanosis.

4. Gastrointestinal diseases

Premature babies are prone to poor nutrient absorption, so it is best to feed them with breast milk; even if formula milk has to be used as a substitute, it is best to adopt a small amount of gradual feeding method. In addition, a very small number of premature babies will develop necrotizing enterocolitis, which requires special treatment.

5. Retinopathy

Premature birth may hinder the normal development of retinal neovascularization, resulting in poor eye development and a greater susceptibility to problems such as myopia. Children should be followed up for examination by a pediatric ophthalmologist.

6. Periventricular and intraventricular hemorrhage

Because the ventricular structure of premature infants is immature and the vascular structure is quite fragile, it is easy for them to rupture and bleed due to increased intracranial pressure. It can generally be divided into four levels. If the bleeding is minor and does not cause ventricular enlargement, it will most likely be absorbed by the brain itself. However, if massive bleeding causes the ventricles to expand or spread to brain tissue, it may affect neurological function, causing delayed motor development or behavioral disorders. A brain ultrasound should be performed after birth, and if any problems are found, regular follow-up examinations are required.