Common Diseases and problems
List of Common Diseases and Problems
In addition to specific diagnoses, babies in the NICU can experience other general problems. For example, babies lose heat easily. Premature infants especially have trouble regulating their body temperature, as they lack the energy or fat reserves to generate heat and the body mass to maintain it. Therefore, NICU babies must be kept warm with the use of special warmers or incubators. High or low blood pressure can also be a risk for premature babies because their developing blood vessels in their head can't handle changes in blood pressure and may tear more easily creating risk for brain bleeds or hemorrhage.
Some premature babies have trouble feeding because they are not physically mature enough to coordinated their feedings. Eating is the most energy-consuming process for a baby. Some babies in the NICU often do not have the strength or energy to feed on their own. Instead, they have to be fed through an IV line or a special feeding tube.
A digestive problem called reflux is sometimes a common problem noted in premature babies. Although all infants have some reflux in the early months (resulting in spitting up), premature babies have a particular problem with it because they have poor muscle tone. Sphincters are muscles, and when the one between the esophagus and the stomach is weak, it allows the acidic stomach contents to bubble back up into the esophagus. (A premature baby’s immature nervous system has trouble controlling the sphincter as well.) The acid irritates the esophagus, which can lead to feeding problems. Inhaling and choking on the reflux is a more serious risk.
Babies who need intensive care are also vulnerable to infections. Their skin and mucus membranes (the body's primary lines of defense against bacteria and viruses) are not well developed enough to provide adequate protection. It is important to provide a clean environment in the NICU and frequent hand washing for care takers (doctors, nurses, parents) is extremely important in preventing infections from occurring to babies in the NICU.
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Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
2401 University Ave.
Muncie, IN 47303
(765) 747-3370 |
