Lung Problems in Babies
Lung problems in babies can occur at birth as a result of prematurity or infection. They may also develop later in the baby's life and be either acute (short term) or chronic. Effective treatment is specific to the cause of the lung problem.
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Pulmonary Hypertension
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Pulmonary Hypertension or PFC (persistent fetal circulation) is a condition whereby a newborn's heart and lungs continue to act as if they were still in the uterus. Before birth, fetal circulation mostly bypasses the lungs. Once a newborn takes his first few breaths, a sequence of events takes place in which the lungs begin to receive more blood and oxygen. In PFC, this does not occur effectively and deprives the baby's body of sufficient oxygen. According to University of Virgina Health Systems, 1 in 500-700 babies may be affected and it is most often babies who are post term (over due) or have had a difficult delivery or both. Treatment depends upon severity and may include administration of oxygen and mechanical ventilation.
Pneumothorax
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Pneumothorax is a lung problem in babies that can have a wide range of severity. It is a condition in which air leaks from the lungs into a place outside of the lungs. Pneumothorax can happen for no apparent reason or can be secondary to other lung diseases or mechanical ventilation. A baby who has needed resuscitation or a more fragile premature infant may be at risk for pneumothorax. A baby with this condition may have difficulty breathing and need additional oxygen. A neonatologist (baby doctor) may also decide to remove the excess air by entering the chest with a small needle and syringe or leaving an air collection system in place until the leak heals.
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Pneumonia
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Pneumonia is seen in both newborns and older babies. It is inflammation of one or both lungs usually caused by infection with a virus or bacteria. Pneumonia may also be caused by irritation like long term exposure to cigarette smoke or other chemicals. Symptoms of pneumonia in babies include difficulty breathing (which may start as inability to feed normally), pale color or blueish color around the mouth (this is a later sign) and usually fever and general ill appearance. Treatment of pneumonia in babies is dependent upon the cause if it is known. Viral pneumonia can be treated by symptoms and will usually go away on its own. Bacterial pneumonia requires antibiotics and in severe cases, any pneumonia may need to be treated in a hospital where there is oxygen and IV fluids for hydration.
Cystic Fibrosis
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Cystic Fibrosis is a disease of both the lungs and digestion but early symptoms are often frequent lung infections, chronic cough and poor growth. According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, CF affects 70,000 people worldwide. 70% of these are diagnosed before age two. The classic diagnostic test is the "sweat test" which measures how much salt is in the sweat. Higher levels indicate a positive diagnosis. Treatment ranges from antibiotics for infections to proper diet and supplements. Most states routinely screen newborns for CF to initiate early treatment and improve outcomes.
Asthma
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Asthma is a condition in which, during an "attack," breathing is difficult because the airways have narrowed. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, it affects 20 million people nationwide Asthma can be caused by infection, allergies or pollutants. Frequent coughing is common. Treatment begins with inhaled medication which gets to the lungs fast. Babies can't use an inhaler but a nebulizer turns the medicine into a mist which is positioned near the baby's face. Long term care may include regular medications in pill or liquid form.
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