The first few days of life are a significant time for newborns who may have a hard time breathing after they are born, especially if they were born premature or had other medical issues. Since a baby’s lungs are still maturing, any degree of respiratory distress will have an impact on the baby’s ability to receive oxygen to all parts of the body. Because of the severity of this condition, we must be able to provide immediate respiratory support and monitor accurately. Advanced NICU Care allows for newborns with Breathing Problems to receive immediate, specialized care to help them develop healthy lung function.

Understanding Breathing Problems in Newborns

• Breathing Problems at birth may occur due to early birth, germs, or immature breathing systems.
• Symptoms of breathing difficulty include quick breathing rates, parts of the chest (the sternum) being sucked in when breathing in, a blue-colored skin tone, and difficulty eating.
• If detected and treated early, neonate patients may recover better and have a better chance of avoiding complications from these breathing problems.

Role of Ventilator Support in Neonatal Care

• Neonatal ventilators use advanced technology to deliver oxygen and carbon dioxide in a controlled manner that is safe for a baby’s tiny lungs.
• Depending on the baby’s needs, ventilator support can provide either partial or complete respiratory support.
• Respiratory support with a ventilator will continue until the baby’s lungs are mature or healed.

Importance of ABG Testing

• Careful monitoring of respiratory distress is common among newborns.
• When newborns have an ABG test (Arterial Blood Gas), this assessment allows you to determine how the newborn’s lungs are performing.
• The test also measures amounts of oxygen and carbon dioxide and acid-base levels in a sample of blood taken from the artery.
• The results of your baby’s Arterial Blood Gas Test will allow your doctor to adjust your baby’s oxygen therapy and/or ventilator support accurately.

How ABG Testing Guides Treatment

Through consistent use of ABG testing, the medical team can keep a close eye on how the newborn is reacting to respiratory assistance. Doctors also use the blood gases to prevent any negatives associated with oxygen toxicity and acid-base imbalances, so the baby receives targeted respiratory support that meets his or her needs, thus improving outcomes and decreasing the time taken to recover.

NICU Care for Respiratory Support

• A National Institute of Children's Health (NICU) Care Facility is a place to keep your child safe and provide him/her with support while he/she receives respiratory assistance.
• NICU's healthcare providers are specially trained and equipped with the latest monitors and equipment.
• Technology is also being used in the treatment of many diseases and conditions.
• Continuous monitoring of your baby's health means that there is a quick response when your baby has a problem.

Advances in Neonatal Respiratory Care

New technology and services have significantly advanced the ability to manage respiratory disorders in newborns. As a result of the advanced capabilities of modern-day ventilators and improved measurements with arterial blood gases, there are now fewer complications and greater opportunities for newborns to survive. Additionally, with timely and appropriate intervention, many newborns can completely recover and achieve normal pulmonary function over time thanks to the advances in the field of respiratory care.