Secondary newborn asphyxia: causes, symptoms and treatment
Secondary neonatal asphyxia is a condition in which the newborn does not receive enough oxygen during childbirth or after birth. As a result, a disruption of body functions occurs, which can lead to serious consequences, including disruption of organs and systems, hypoxic stroke, or even death.
The causes of secondary asphyxia of a newborn can be different. One of the most common causes is pneumothorax, an accumulation of air in the pleural space that can occur as a result of trauma during childbirth or the use of a vacuum extractor. Other causes may be hypovolemia, umbilical vein abnormalities, hypercapnia, hypoxemia, aspiration of fetal water and others.
Symptoms of secondary asphyxia of a newborn can manifest themselves in various forms, including breathing problems, changes in heart rate, cyanosis of the skin, apnea, convulsions, etc. In some cases, symptoms may be more hidden and appear only in the form of changes in blood counts.
Treatment of secondary newborn asphyxia may include various methods, depending on the causes and severity of the condition. One of the most common methods is mechanical ventilation, which can be performed either with a mask or with a tracheotomy. Other methods may include oxygen therapy, infusion therapy, drug treatment, and others.
Overall, secondary neonatal asphyxia is a serious condition that requires immediate treatment. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious health consequences for the newborn. If you suspect secondary asphyxia in your baby, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Primary (asphyxia at birth) and secondary (appearing after birth) asphyxia in newborns are two main types of asphyxia, which have similar manifestations and clinical manifestations, but differ significantly in prognosis for the life and health of the child. According to statistics, if a newborn does not die from primary asphyxia, then there is a high probability that subsequent asphyxia will be fatal. Asphyxia or the development of complications of asphyxia in a newborn, in general, can be caused by lung diseases in the mother and bad habits of the pregnant woman. A doctor can detect the problem and its symptoms in a timely manner; for this purpose, a comprehensive examination is carried out. To prevent asphyxia in newborns, measures are taken to avoid the development of complications and minimize the chances of the disease occurring.