Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is sudden and unexplained death in infants under one year old. This death often occurs when the baby is sleeping, so it is often called cot/crib death (death in a crib).
Sleeping on your stomach, stomach, or side can increase your risk of SIDS. Experts believe that sleeping with the stomach under or against the mattress can block the airways and interfere with the breathing process.
Sleeping with the stomach facing down can increase the risk of re-breathing, namely the baby inhaling air that is exhaled from his own breath. This makes carbon dioxide levels increase more than oxygen levels. Especially if the baby sleeps on a soft mattress with lots of stuffed toys or pillows near his face.
Babies who die from SIDS may have problems with the part of the brain that helps control breathing and sleep-wakefulness. If the baby is not getting enough oxygen, the brain usually gives orders and triggers the baby’s reaction to wake up and cry to get more oxygen. If the brain does not have this signal, oxygen levels will continue to fall.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Symptom
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) will not cause any symptoms. The cause of this sudden death is unknown.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Reason
The exact cause of SIDS is still unknown. Sudden death in infants may be caused by several factors, such as:
- babies aged between 2-4 months
- cold weather
- baby boy
- the baby has been exposed to the effects of smoking, alcohol consumption, or drugs while still in the womb or after birth
- premature or low birth weight babies
- poor prenatal care
- family history of SIDS
- mother is under 20 years old
- Babies are often exposed to cigarette smoke after birth
- bedroom conditions are too hot
- co-sleeping (sleeping with baby in one bed or sofa)
Diagnosis
Doctors can make a diagnosis of Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) when all possible causes of infant death have been ruled out.
Prevention
Several ways can be done to prevent the occurrence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Efforts that can be made include putting the baby to sleep in a supine position (the back is against the mattress). Sleeping on your stomach or sleeping on your side can increase your risk of SIDS.
In addition, there are several ways to lower the risk of SIDS, such as:
- perform routine prenatal care
- use a firm mattress
- use a mattress cover in the form of a sheet that fits snugly, does not cause many folds or bumps
- keep away soft objects, such as dolls
- use a blanket that does not extend over the baby’s shoulders
- avoid using bumper pillows for cots
- put the baby in a feet-to-foot position or the baby’s feet touch the end of the crib
- sleeping in the same room as the baby, but in separate beds – this can be done at least until the baby is six months old
- provide exclusive breastfeeding
- make sure the baby is not too hot
- quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke during pregnancy or after delivery
- avoiding the use of alcohol or hard drugs during pregnancy or after birth
- ensure the baby gets all the recommended immunizations on schedule (studies show that babies who receive vaccines have a 50% lower risk of developing SIDS)