Preterm birth is a condition in which a baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 15 million babies are born prematurely every year, accounting for approximately 1 in 10 births worldwide.

Preterm birth is one of the leading causes of death among newborns, and survivors often face lifelong complications, including respiratory problems.

Respiratory Function in Preterm Infants

Respiratory function is one of the most critical aspects of health in newborns, especially those born preterm. Preterm infants have underdeveloped lungs, which can cause respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).

RDS is a common respiratory problem in premature babies and occurs due to the lack of a substance called surfactant. Surfactant is a liquid that helps the lungs stay open and reduces the effort required for breathing. Preterm infants with RDS often need supplemental oxygen and help with breathing for days, weeks, or even months before they can breathe on their own.

Risk Factors for Respiratory Problems in Preterm Infants

Several factors can put preterm infants at risk of having respiratory problems. Some of these factors include:.

Being born before 32 weeks of pregnancy
Being small for gestational age
Being born via cesarean delivery
Having a mother with certain health conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension
Being born with a congenital anomaly

Complications of Respiratory Problems in Preterm Infants

Preterm infants with respiratory problems are at risk of several complications. Some of these complications include:.

Chronic lung disease: Also known as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), chronic lung disease is a long-term respiratory complication that affects preterm infants who require oxygen and mechanical ventilation for a prolonged period.
Asthma: Preterm infants are at an increased risk of developing asthma later in life compared to full-term infants.
Pneumonia: Preterm infants are at a higher risk of developing pneumonia, a bacterial or viral infection that affects the lungs, due to their underdeveloped immune systems.

Prevention of Respiratory Problems in Preterm Infants

Preventing respiratory problems in preterm infants can help reduce the risk of complications and improve their overall health outcomes. Some strategies that can help prevent respiratory problems in preterm infants include:.

Antenatal corticosteroid therapy: Administering corticosteroids to the mother before preterm delivery can help accelerate fetal lung maturation and reduce the risk of RDS.
Surfactant therapy: Administering surfactant directly to the infant’s lungs can help improve respiratory function and reduce the need for mechanical ventilation.
Nutritional support: Preterm infants require adequate nutrition to support lung growth and development.
Infection control measures: Reducing the risk of infection can help prevent respiratory complications in preterm infants.

Treatment of Respiratory Problems in Preterm Infants

Treatment of respiratory problems in preterm infants may involve several interventions, including:.

Oxygen therapy: Supplemental oxygen may be required to treat respiratory problems in preterm infants.
Mechanical ventilation: Preterm infants with severe respiratory problems may require mechanical ventilation to help them breathe.
Surfactant replacement therapy: Administering surfactant directly to the infant’s lungs can help improve respiratory function and reduce the need for mechanical ventilation.
Corticosteroids: Administering corticosteroids to preterm infants with respiratory problems may help reduce inflammation and improve lung function.
Bronchodilators: Medications that help relax the airways may be prescribed to preterm infants with respiratory problems.

Conclusion

Preterm birth is a significant public health concern, with respiratory problems being one of the most common complications in preterm infants.

Respiratory problems can have significant adverse effects on the health and long-term outcomes of preterm infants. Preventive measures such as antenatal corticosteroid therapy, surfactant therapy, and infection control measures, as well as prompt treatment of respiratory problems, can help improve the outcomes of preterm infants with respiratory problems.