Is respiratory failure in infants dangerous?

When a child is diagnosed with respiratory failure, it will surely make parents very confused and worried about this disease. Respiratory failure in children is caused by what causes and is it dangerous. Let's answer with Master, Doctor Ma Van Tham, Head of Pediatrics - Neonatology Department, Vinmec Phu Quoc International General Hospital in this video!

Video is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Ma Van Tham, Head of Pediatrics - Neonatology Department, Vinmec Phu Quoc International General Hospital

Ma Van Tham, neonatal acute respiratory distress syndrome (also known as endothelial disease) is a condition when a baby's lungs are still not fully developed after birth, leading to a lack of surfactant (active ingredient). surface activity), reducing the alveolar surface area available for gas exchange. This syndrome is very common in the neonatal period, especially in the first days after birth. Premature infants are more susceptible to respiratory distress than term infants. For babies, healthy lungs are of the utmost importance. Meanwhile, children with acute respiratory failure may have difficulty breathing normally.
One of the leading causes of acute respiratory distress syndrome in infants is premature birth. The lungs of premature babies often lack surfactant, which is necessary for the expansion and contraction of the lungs. This deficiency is a precursor to shortness of breath and breathing problems. Besides, respiratory failure can also stem from genetic factors related to the child's lung development. In addition to preterm birth as the main factor, there are a number of other factors that can also lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome in infants, including:
Caesarean section Diabetic mother Family history of respiratory failure Maternal multiple pregnancy Perinatal injury: Occurrence of asphyxia and antepartum hemorrhage The blood supply to the fetus during pregnancy is reduced. Most symptoms of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome can be detected soon after the baby is born. However, some signs may also appear about 24 hours after birth. Common symptoms are:
The child has severe, sudden shortness of breath, then the breathing rate increases rapidly The child's nostrils rise and fall, making a groan when exhaling The phenomenon of pulling on the chest and intercostal muscles, sternum depression Whole body cyanosis, rapid heart rate due to severe lack of oxygen Wheezing due to suffocation Sweating profusely.

Acute respiratory failure in infants can lead to many dangerous complications, long-term effects on the normal development of the child. In some cases, this condition can be life-threatening if not detected and treated promptly.
Specifically, some unwanted complications stemming from acute respiratory distress syndrome can be mentioned as:
In the heart: stagnation of air around, blood infection, blood clot formation in the body, low blood pressure and blood sugar index In the lungs: Accumulation of air around the lungs, pulmonary bleeding, pneumonia and chronic lung disease force (blindness) Other organs: Difficulty in developing and performing normal functions, causing kidney failure, ... The sequelae of respiratory failure also depend on the severity of the disease, as well as the physical condition. of each patient. Complications that each individual child experiences will not be the same.
If the disease is mild, combined with timely respiratory failure and proper treatment, efforts to cure the disease after about 3 days will be effective. When the symptoms subside, the child has a good chance of being saved. If the disease is severe, the sequelae of acute respiratory failure may be cerebral hypoxia, cerebral hemorrhage, and hypoglycemia.
Vinmec International General Hospital is a leading hospital in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases, including acute respiratory failure in children. Vinmec systems nationwide have a team of doctors with leading experience in the industry along with modern equipment, ensuring absolute hygiene and sterility standards. This is the place to diagnose and treat acute respiratory failure for children trusted by many parents.