What to do about respiratory dysfunction in premature infants
Aug 21, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the main causes of respiratory dysfunction in premature infants include immature lung development, weak regulation of the respiratory center, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, aspiration pneumonia, and patent ductus arteriosus. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment at a qualified hospital. In daily life, close monitoring of the premature infant's respiratory rate, skin color, and blood oxygen saturation is advised.
Generally, the main causes of respiratory dysfunction in premature infants include immature lung development, weak respiratory center regulation, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, aspiration pneumonia, and patent ductus arteriosus. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely treatment at a regular hospital. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Immature Lung Development
Due to fewer alveoli and a lack of pulmonary surfactant, premature infants have low lung compliance and poor gas exchange efficiency, which can lead to respiratory dysfunction. Infants should be placed in an incubator to maintain an appropriate temperature and reduce energy consumption; doctors may use pulmonary surfactant injection to promote alveolar expansion and improve respiratory function.
2. Weak Respiratory Center Regulation
The respiratory center in premature infants has not fully developed, resulting in poor regulation of respiration and making them prone to irregular breathing patterns and apnea. Gentle stimulation, such as lightly stroking the soles of the feet or supporting the back, can help reinitiate breathing. When necessary, nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) may be used to assist respiration and maintain normal ventilation.
3. Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Severe surfactant deficiency prevents alveoli from remaining expanded, leading to progressive breathing difficulties. Under a doctor's guidance, porcine lung phospholipid injection should be used to supplement alveolar surfactant, while mechanical ventilation support is also needed to maintain respiration.
Premature infants often have uncoordinated swallowing function, making them prone to inhale amniotic fluid or milk, which can cause lung inflammation and lead to respiratory dysfunction, often accompanied by coughing and cyanosis. Under medical guidance, antibiotics such as penicillin sodium for injection, cefotaxime sodium injection, and ampicillin sodium for injection may be used to combat infection. At the same time, airway secretions should be cleared to maintain airway patency.
5. Patent Ductus Arteriosus
In premature infants, the ductus arteriosus fails to close normally, causing blood from the aorta to shunt into the pulmonary artery, increasing the burden on the lungs and leading to abnormal respiration. If the ductus is small, under medical guidance, medications such as indomethacin enteric-coated tablets or ibuprofen suspension may be used to promote closure. If the ductus is large and medication is ineffective, surgical ligation of the ductus arteriosus is required.
In daily life, close monitoring of the premature infant's respiratory rate, skin color, and blood oxygen saturation is essential; indoor air should be kept fresh, avoiding irritants such as smoke; feeding posture should be carefully managed to prevent choking; regular pulmonary function assessments should be conducted, and treatment plans adjusted according to recovery progress.
