Is birth asphyxia a problem?

I wish to sincerely commend you for your continuous weekly health education. Please I will like to know more about birth asphyxia. Please also tell us about hernia among children. Is it a big problem for children?

Esther V.

Thanks Esther for your question and appreciation of our work.Birth asphyxia, also called asphyxianeonatorum “is the inability of an infant to establish regular respiration following birth.

The condition results from inadequate supply of oxygen to an infant while in the womb or during the delivery process. Birth asphyxia is considered a medical emergency and immediate steps must be taken to establish respiration.” Prompt treatment is essential to preventing long-term damage and fatality.

While in the womb, the foetus’ first stool that is passed, known as meconium, can block the foetus airways, impeding the foetus’ ability to breathe.

A compression of the umbilical cord can result in restricted blood flow which interferes with the foetus’ ability to breathe properly. Placental abruption occurs when there is a premature separation of the placenta from the uterus, which may lead to asphyxia. The mother’s condition prior to and during delivery also directly impacts the welfare of the foetus.

A mother who has high blood pressure during pregnancy may experience poor placenta function, which can hinder proper oxygen production and reduce oxygen to the foetus.

When an infant is born with low oxygen levels, he or she may have low blood pressure and increase heart rate. Decreased oxygen levels not only threaten the infant’s ability to breathe independently, but may impact organ functionality. An infant born with low blood pressure, low blood cell count, or severe anaemia may experience difficulty with independent respiration.

When a newborn exhibits signs of asphyxia following delivery, he or she will require urgent attention. Hernia “A hernia occurs when a section of intestine protrudes through a weakness in the abdominal muscles. A soft bulge is seen underneath the skin where the hernia has occurred.” In children, a hernia usually occurs in one of two places:

1. Around the (Umbilical hernia )

2. In the groin area ( Inquinal hernia ) belly-button

A hernia can develop in the first few months after the baby is born because of a weakness in the muscles of the abdomen. As a male foetus grows and matures during pregnancy, the testicles develop in the abdomen and then move down into the scrotum through an area called the inguinal canal.

Shortly after the baby is born, the inguinal canal closes, preventing the testicles from moving back into the abdomen. If this area does not close off completely, a loop of intestine can move into the inguinal canal through the weakened area of the lower abdominal wall, causing a hernia. Risk factors

1. A parent or sibling who had a hernia as an infant. 2. Cystic fibrosis. 3. Developmental dysplasia of the hip. 4. 5. urethra.

6. Inguinal hernias occur in about one to three percent of all children.

7. More often infants. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Undescended testes. Abnormalities of the in premature What are the symptoms of a hernia?

Hernias usually occur in newborns, but may not be noticeable for several weeks or months after birth. Straining and crying do not cause hernias; however, the increased pressure in the abdomen can make a hernia more noticeable.

Inguinal hernias appear as a bulge or swelling in the groin or scrotum. The swelling may be more noticeable when the baby cries, and may get smaller or go away when the baby relaxes.

If the hernia is not reducible, then the loop of intestine may be caught in the weakened area of abdominal muscle.

Symptoms that may be seen when this happens include the following: A full, round abdomen. Vomiting. Pain or fussiness. Redness or discoloration. Fever.