Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Sudden death is without any prior symptoms or sickness, crying or irritability in child that can act as a warning sign for the parents. The autopsy does not detect any possible cause of death in such cases. A medical term has been coined to explain this unfortunate condition- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, otherwise known as SIDS.

SIDS most often strikes babies in the age group of 2 to 6 months. It occurs late at night when everyone is possibly in deep slumber. The sudden death has no explainable cause. The cases of SIDS have sharply dropped over the past decade, but still thousands of parents worldwide take extreme precautions regarding the safety of child in this crucial period of one year.

Possible causes and contributing factors:
No theory exists to explain SIDS. However experts are of the opinion that there is no single reason for the sudden death of the infant. It is a general belief that respiratory tract infection might be a reason behind crib death. Many of the deaths occur after the baby has been recently treated for respiratory problems or cold. A further evidence to support this theory is that researches show that majority of such cases are in peak winter season, when chances of such infections are more.

• Premature birth of the baby
• Family history of SIDS
• Lack of proper nutrition to the baby
• Babies having soft crib bedding, or babies who sleep in the same bed as parents
• Baby sleeping on his/her  tummy
• Mother being less than 20 years of age when the baby was born
• Mother consuming drug and/or alcohol during pregnancy
• Little or no prenatal care to the mother
• Passive smoking

Diagnosis:
The baby is diagnosed of SIDS when no possible reason of death is discovered. If even after exploring the scene of death, family’s medical history and conducting an autopsy, proper explanation for the death cannot be given, SIDS is considered the reason for baby’s demise.

Symptoms:
There are no symptoms for SIDS. The baby does not cry and the death is silent. It is not preventable or predictable. The baby does not  show any signs of pain or struggle. It is important to know that immunization does not cause SIDS. Neither is it anyone’s fault, so there is no need to blame the parents for the same. The baby mostly does not respond to CPR in such cases.

Reducing the risk:
SIDS is a horrifying experience for the parents and family of the baby. To prevent such an unfortunate incident from happening, some tips can come in handy.

Sleeping position is extremely important for your baby’s safety. The baby should be placed on his/her back to sleep always. This should be taught to the babysitter, grandparents, day-care providers or anyone else who is going to take care of the baby.

Also, never leave the baby’s face covered. Avoid loose, extremely soft or fluffy bedding for the crib. This factor must be kept in mind while purchasing a crib or mattresses for the baby’s bed. Purchase an approved crib from a reliable company.

As mentioned, smoking is harmful for the baby. Do not let anyone smoke near your baby. Also, do not overdress the baby with layers of clothing. This can overheat the baby and also cause difficulty in breathing. Always keep the baby’s bed at a distance from your bed. Sharing the same bed increases the risk of infant smothering.

One modern equipment, cardiorespiratoy monitoring for babies has been designed to detect SIDS can be used. The use is controversial as of now. These monitors raise an alarm if the baby’s heartbeat or breathing suddenly stops. The monitor monitors the vital stats of a baby, like the heartbeat, and blood oxygen saturation and also records it, so that it can be analysed by the doctor later on.

What to do in an emergency:
If you find out that your baby is not moving or not breathing, begin a CPR right away. Call  a doctor for immediate medical assistance. All people that are responsible for taking care of the baby must be well trained in resuscitation.