SIDS
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome- By Shelby Murray
What is SIDS?
What puts a baby at risk of developing SIDS?
Although the cause of SIDS is unknown, there are many factors that increase the chance of SIDS occurring.
Physical Factors
Respiratory Infection- a cold can contribute to breathing problems
Brain Abnormalities- the portion of brain that controls breathing and arousal from sleep doesn’t function properly
Low Birth Weight- premature babies brains may not be fully matured
Sleep Environmental Factors
Sleeping on a soft surface- Soft blankets/comforters block child's airway
Sleeping with parents- There are more soft surfaces present that impair breathing
Sleeping on their stomach/side- may experience difficulty breathing, the infant should sleep on their backs
Risk Factors
Family History- Infants with siblings/cousins who have died from SIDS have an increased risk of SIDS
Secondhand Smoke- Babies living with smokers have an increased risk of SIDS
Race- African Americans are more likely to develop SIDS
Sex- boys are more likely to die from SIDS
Age- second and third month is the highest risk of SIDS occurring
Maternal Risk Factors- the risk of SIDS increase if the mothers……
Uses drugs or alcohol
Is younger than 20
Smokes cigarettes
- Has bad prenatal care
Symptoms/Signs and Tests
Your child arousal (wake up time) is increased
Hyperthermia (increased in body temperature)- when the infant becomes to warm their metabolic activity increases, at a certain temperature point the infant loses the ability to control their breathing.
Apnea- breathing stops spontaneously
Apparent life threatening events (ALTE)- fast changes in breathing, muscle tone or color
SIDS is not predictable or preventable, so tests aren't available
- However, new studies show newborn's hearing test may prevent SIDS
Ways to Prevent SIDS
Don’t overheat the baby- use a lightweight blanket
Breastfeed your baby
Place baby on their back to sleep- keeps airways open
Keep crib bare- don’t place stuffed animals/pillows in crib, it interviews with baby's breathing
Offer a pacifier during nap time
Baby should sleep alone- prevents suffocation
- Avoid baby monitors that claim to reduce SIDS- ineffectiveness and safety issues
Statistics about the disease/and deaths that occur
2,000 infants die yearly from SIDS, which is 45% of all infant deaths
Out of 100,000 births, 40 infants die from SIDS
90% of SIDS deaths occur before month 6
SIDS is the leading cause of infant death from age 1 month-1 year
Rate of infant death from SIDS is dramatically decreasing throughout the years
- SIDS is diagnosed when all other causes of infant death is ruled out (ex.trauma)
October
Prevent SIDS
Sleeping on Front
Steps to take if you think your baby is affected by SIDS
Call 911 immediately
Make sure your baby makes it to a hospital as soon as possible, medical attention will be needed ASAP
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides information on how to reduce SIDS from occurring
Sources Used
"Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)." - Mayo Clinic. Web. 15 Oct. 2015.
Hitti, Miranda. "Newborn Hearing Test May Predict SIDS." WebMD. WebMD. Web. 15 Oct. 2015.
"Data and Statistics." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 Oct. 2015. Web. 15 Oct. 2015.
"Fast Facts About SIDS." Fast Facts About SIDS. Web. 15 Oct. 2015.
"Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Symptoms, Causes, Treatment - What Is the Cause of SIDS? - MedicineNet." MedicineNet. Web. 15 Oct. 2015.
"Google Images." Google Images. Web. 15 Oct. 2015.