SIDS
Table of Contents
Sudden Infant death syndrome is a nightmare to any parent.
It is an enigma that cannot be predicted, does not come with signs nor symptoms neither can it be 100% averted.
Seemingly healthy babies usually below 1-year fall victim with majority cases occurring between 2-4 months.
Several theories have come up over the course of time in an attempt to diagnose this disaster with countless highlighting SIDS triggers.
Despite many notions and consequently preventive measures, it has been discovered that certain factors place some kids at a higher risk than others.
These causes gravitate towards heart and brain abnormalities, biological vulnerabilities, and genetic disorders that come into the light following thorough body examinations.
This life-threatening event does come with a set of preventive measures that are risk averse.
Health care providers do recommend;
Elimination of stress inducers such as, smokes and liquor.
Appropriate sleeping positions.
Sturdy sleep equipment in conjunction with light bedding.
Regular shots and immunization vaccines.
Avoidance of soft toys, cushions and duvets.
Allowing the baby his own crib while keeping him relatively close.
Contrary to many misconceptions SIDS deaths do not solely happen in the night time.
Following a research conducted to investigate the diurnal –day and night- occurrence of SIDS, results showed that sudden deaths occur in the day just as much as they do in the night; only in slower rates.
83% was recorded for evening deaths with post-midnight hours being the peak while at least 4 SIDS cases occurred during every hour of the day.
In extreme instances, infants have passed on in the arms of their mothers.
Whatever time of the day they transpire, the outcome plays out very abruptly.
The complexity of its nature has led to much anxiety with parents wondering if there are any interventional measures that can stir the situation away from a dead end.
Is it possible to stop SIDS once it starts?
A close relative to the SIDS family is a condition known as an Apparent Life-Threatening Event (ALTE).
These two have a strong continuum that can evoke confusion if not properly understood.
ALTE that occurs during day time can be controlled however when it strikes in the night it may go undetected thus resulting in SIDS.
Similar to SIDS, the later attacks children under the age of 1 year especially those between the 2weeks and two months.
Almost all incidents do not surpass the 10-month age mark.
They share similar traits but the distinguishing factor is that one victim will end up dead while the other survives.
Formerly referred to as “near- miss SIDS”, ALTE is characterized by evident fluctuations in a child’s appearance or behavior.
Such visible signs include: apnea, change in skin color, coughing / gagging, welts, obvious malnutrition, and other times a black eye.
If detected early, treatment can begin to avert possible risks.
Mitigation measures such as respiratory support, cardiac support, oxygen supply and monitoring should resolve the problem.
Unlike ALTE, a recent research reveals that it is nearly futile to initiate resuscitation to SIDS victims. This is because they have less than 5% chance of survival.
Previously, aminophylline was used to stimulate respiratory nerves in the brain, but later on the technique was disapproved due to medical failures.
Data reports state that if obvious signs of death are present then emergency measures may not make a difference.
A forceful revival will only result in indignation or aggravated grief.
A commonly perpetuated myth is that smart monitors significantly cut down on infant mortality rate.
These devices are programmed to track pulse and respiratory rates and in turn sound out alarms incase of any inconsistencies or mishaps.
Cardiac monitors and electronic respirators have not been proven to reduce SIDS risks so these should be avoided at all times.
For further clarity, here is some in-depth information as regarding infant CPR, its effectiveness or absence thereof.
With CPR the intent is to rescue breathing by creating airway ventilations. Back blows and chest thrusts work well to eliminate breathing obstructions and possibly resuscitate.
Loss of pulse associated with respiratory arrest can be resolved given the correct first aid measures.
Unlike adults, children are not predisposed to severe heart related issues. Infants stop breathing first before then go in to cardiac arrest due to insufficient oxygen. Grown- ups however stop breathing due to heart complications. The former is easier to averse.
Expectant parents are strongly advised to take up CPR courses with refreshers in between a span of 2 years.
Remember, not doing CPR guarantees life loss. It is advisable to give it a shot as opposed to completely dismissing the option. Although negligible, a 5% chance is comparably better than 0%.
Drawing from the ever-present death possibility, child loss can severely send parents into complete agony. Questions relating to the unfortunate demise tend to be daunting and require medical help, love and patience to get past. Whenever dealing with the sudden death.
Seek comfort from family members- no one can relate to child loss more acutely than the family relatives. Parents should avoid seclusion at all costs at it works to intensify guilt, shame or give more room to blame. It is normal to experienced heightened emotions during festive seasons, holidays or any other occasion that calls for family time.
Book counseling sessions- they can either be one- on- one or in a group setting. Confiding in a psychiatrist or a health worker eases the burden by getting rid of gloomy fall backs.
Trained professionals are experts at creating a conducive environment that allows free talk relating to the incident. Done well it could possibly resolve marriage strain. Deep meditative relaxation sessions may equally help.
Give yourself time- in most cases mothers come out the most hit. Coming to terms with the issue does not happen in a day nor even months. Some grieve as long as years. Be patient with the recovery process steadily taking a day at a time.
Conclusion
Although fairly hard to avert, SIDS education is the only sure way to save lives.
It is only prudent that parents be equipped with the necessary knowledge.
When responding to emergency calls, first ascertain whether you are dealing with ALTE or SIDS.
This leads to the right prognosis thus appropriate life saving measures.