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Introduction notes in sudden infant death syndrome
Introduction notes in sudden infant death syndrome
Introduction notes in sudden infant death syndrome
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There are multiple definitions for SIDS, otherwise known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. According to the textbook Essentials of Human Diseases and Conditions by Margaret Frazier and Jeanette Drzymkowski, this disease is defined as “the sudden and unpredicted death of an infant under the age of one year”. Another source, the Ohio Department of Health describes it as “the sudden death of an infant less than one year of age, which remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation, including performance of a thorough autopsy, investigation of the death scene and a evaluation of the clinical history”. Although there are numerous explanations as to what this particular disease is, one thing remains a certain constant: the ultimate outcome of this disorder is death.
A general description of SIDS is rather difficult to come by, mainly because of the overwhelming vagueness of the disease and its questionable etiology. Out of all SIDS deaths, 90% occur in infants less than 6 months of age. In deaths occurring in infants between 2 and 4 months of age, 70% are due to SIDS. These deaths are most likely to occur during the winter and fall months. Roughly 3,000 – 4,000 babies die of sudden infant death in the United States annually.
The signs and symptoms of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome are not seen before the actual death of the infant. According to Debra Wood, a Registered Nurse in the Pediatric Division of the New York University Langone Center,” A baby that dies of SIDS typically appears healthy. The baby may have had a cold or gastrointestinal infection in the two weeks prior to death. There usually are no warning signs that a baby is about to have SIDS.” This particular fact is what makes this disease so terrifying for...
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...nt research shows that breastfeeding is protective against SIDS. SIDS is not caused by immunizations. Actually, if a receives the proper immunizations, there is 50% less risk for SIDS. SIDS is not the same thing as suffocation, and is not caused by vomiting or choking.
The United States government has put educational and research programs into effect due to the severity of the deaths from SIDS. As a result, from the time period of 1979 to 2010, the SIDS mortality rate dropped from 150 to 50 (out of every 100,000 live births). (Appendix C).
In conclusion, the specifics of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome are not very well known. Even today, research is still being carried out to determine the exact cause of this silent disease. Until that time comes, the public must rely on preventative tips in order to reduce the frequency of this disease infiltrating more families.