How to treat pulmonary insufficiency in premature infants
Generally, the main causes of pulmonary insufficiency in premature infants include respiratory distress syndrome, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, neonatal pneumonia, pulmonary hypertension, and congenital pulmonary hypoplasia. At this time, physical therapy, drug therapy, and surgical treatment can be selected according to the specific situation to improve symptoms. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Premature Infants
Insufficient synthesis of pulmonary surfactant in premature infants' alveoli leads to alveolar collapse and impaired normal ventilation. Pulmonary surfactant (bovine lung extract) for injection should be administered under medical guidance to improve alveolar expansion, combined with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to assist respiration. Close monitoring of blood oxygen saturation is necessary to maintain stable respiration.
2. Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Long-term mechanical ventilation or exposure to high oxygen concentrations can damage the bronchi and lung tissue of premature infants, affecting pulmonary function. The oxygen concentration and ventilatory support should be gradually reduced. Under medical guidance, budesonide suspension can be used to reduce pulmonary inflammation. Regular chest imaging examinations are necessary to assess lung recovery.
3. Neonatal Pneumonia
Premature infants have weak pulmonary defense mechanisms, making them susceptible to bacterial or viral infections that cause pneumonia, leading to impaired pulmonary ventilation and gas exchange function. For bacterial infections, antibiotics such as Cefoperazone Sodium and Sulbactam Sodium for injection, Amoxicillin and Potassium Clavulanate for injection, or Piperacillin Sodium and Tazobactam Sodium for injection can be administered under medical guidance to control infection. Oxygen therapy should also be provided to maintain airway patency.
Immature pulmonary vascular development in premature infants leads to increased vascular resistance, causing pulmonary hypertension and increased pulmonary functional burden. Under medical guidance, Iloprost solution for inhalation can be used to reduce pulmonary vascular resistance, and high-frequency oscillatory ventilation can be used to improve oxygenation. Monitoring of pulmonary artery pressure changes is necessary to adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
5. Congenital Pulmonary Hypoplasia
Congenital developmental defects of lung tissue in premature infants lead to impaired pulmonary function. For mild cases, oxygen therapy and nutritional support can promote lung development. For severe cases with additional malformations, surgical interventions such as lobectomy may be required after medical evaluation. Postoperative respiratory support and infection prevention should be enhanced.
In daily life, maintaining a clean living environment for premature infants with strict control of temperature and humidity is essential. Proper respiratory care, including timely clearance of oral and nasal secretions, should be performed. Feeding should follow medical advice to ensure adequate nutrition. Respiration and complexion should be closely monitored, and any abnormalities should prompt immediate medical attention. Regular pulmonary function assessments are necessary to monitor disease progression.
