What is the relationship between PPHN and respiratory distress?
father holds hand of newly born babe in diapersBabies with high blood pressure in the lungs cannot breathe properly. This condition is caused by the blood vessels in the lungs narrowing. The baby suffers from respiratory distress that involves fast and low breathing. Further, the baby’s skin will turn a blue color, let’s dive deeper into this blog to know more about the relationship between PPHN and respiratory distress.
What is PPHN?
PPHN (Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn) is a condition that won’t allow babies to get sufficient oxygen post-birth. When the blood vessels in the lungs are not relaxing properly, that will lead to PPHN. The healthy newborn baby’s lungs will be transferred from a fetal circulation pattern to a normal circulation pattern. Visit a pulmonary hypertension specialist in Coimbatore to safeguard your child’s health from further complications.
What are the symptoms of PPHN?
PPHN is a condition that often occurs immediately post-birth, it’s symptoms include;
- Fast breathing, difficulty breathing, and a bluish color in part of the skin, such as the lips and face.
- PPHN neonates may additionally have lower oxygen levels in the blood, even after the use of extra oxygen therapy, which means that they suffer from the condition that keeps them from getting enough oxygen in the blood.
- They have respiration issues, with symptoms such as chest retractions, and nostril flaring.
- PPHN results in a decreased pulmonary blood flow that, in turn, worsens lung function.
What is respiratory distress?
Respiratory distress is nothing but a condition that occurs whenever an individual’s body requires more oxygen and has issues with breathing. Shortness of breath or rapid breathing is more common in respiratory distress. Infection, lung diseases, and heart problems are some of the conditions caused by respiratory distress. In the extreme stages of respiratory distress, a lack of blood flow will occur. Medical attention is needed for respiratory distress to avoid further complications.
How PPHN and respiratory distress will affect us?
The baby’s normal respiratory function will be changed due to the effect of PPHN due to high blood pressure in the lungs. Eventually, the PPHN (persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn) will cause respiratory distress in newborns and can lead to a struggle to get enough oxygen. Also, in some cases, respiratory distress is triggered by infections like pneumonia.
How does this condition affect a baby’s ability to breathe?
PPHN(s), or persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, occurs when the baby’s blood vessels that carry the blood from the heart to the lungs do not fully open. In respiratory distress, less amount of oxygen will be delivered to the body, leading to breathing problems. Further, lung disease, congenital abnormalities, maternal medications, and other factors remain major causes of PPHN.
What exactly causes high blood pressure in a newborn’s lungs?
The increased pressure will decrease the oxygen supply to the baby’s system. The lack of proper blood flow may cause a decrease in oxygen levels in our body, which further leads to increased difficulty in breathing. In the case of a lung or heart defect, the high pressure in the lungs can cause lung hyperinflation, which in turn may lead to disorder of the whole respiratory system. Early treatment for respiratory distress can give better control.
How is this condition diagnosed in babies?
PPHN in infants is most often found by the combination of signs shown by a child and diagnostic tests. The signs that doctors search for include symptoms of respiratory distress, such as rapid breathing, low oxygen levels, and bluish skin. Chest X-rays and blood gas testing evaluate the respiratory distress to see how the baby is doing and whether the baby’s oxygen levels are normal. Whenever experiencing symptoms of respiratory distress reach out to the doctor to diagnose and treat your condition.
How long does it take for a newborn to recover from respiratory distress caused by this condition?
The time required for babies to recover from this condition is highly uncertain. If the newborn needs mild care, it will recover independently for some hours to one day. Conversely, recovery might last a few weeks or days in severe mechanical ventilation cases. Within this time frame, health professionals conduct a general assessment of the newborn’s respiratory distress condition and provide treatment options such as ventilation or medicines to help with breathing and monitor them.
Can a baby with PPHN survive?
The baby with PPHN can survive with good and proper medical treatment. The quick identification of PPHN is the main source of better living. And it can be managed easily in the starting stage. The early intervention of nitric oxide and oxygen therapy, or ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation), can improve outcomes. Visit the neonatology hospital in Coimbatore to avoid further complications. Close monitoring and timely care are very important for the baby affected by PPHN
Conclusion:
The symptoms of hyperactive lungs in infants are a serious issue, which can easily be solved. Poor baby care can increase the chance of high blood pressure in newborns and infants. Early diagnosis with proper treatment can ensure a good outcome for the baby.
