Newborns refer to infants born within 28 days after birth. Their digestive system, respiratory system, immune system, etc. have not fully developed, and their skin is thin and sensitive, making them susceptible to external stimuli and weaker resistance to external pathogens, making them more susceptible to diseases. They have delicate bodies and require special care and love. For novice parents who are just starting out as fathers or mothers, they are always at a loss and flustered when facing their newborn baby.
So what are the common diseases and clinical manifestations of newborn babies in autumn and winter? How to identify early? Today, I will give a detailed introduction to novice parents.
1. Neonatal pneumonia: Due to the poor immune system and incomplete respiratory center regulation function of newborns, neonatal pneumonia is very common in clinical practice. In severe cases, it can easily lead to systemic infections such as sepsis, purulent meningitis, septic shock, etc. Therefore, parents must pay attention.
Neonatal pneumonia is divided into aspiration pneumonia (amniotic fluid, meconium, milk) and infectious pneumonia (intrauterine infection and postnatal infection). Neonatal pneumonia, unlike infant pneumonia, will show obvious cough and dyspnea, often with shortness of breath, nasal congestion, throat phlegm, groans or irregular breathing, and white foam at the mouth. In severe cases, there may be varying degrees of cyanosis around the mouth and nose, breast rejection, and mental fatigue.
Early identification: If the newborn baby has shortness of breath, nasal congestion, throat phlegm, foam, etc., parents must seek medical advice in time.
2. Fever in newborns: Due to the incomplete function of the temperature regulation center, newborns are prone to abnormal body temperature. If the core temperature of newborns exceeds 37.5 ° C, it is considered fever. Newborns have poor tolerance to high fever. When the body temperature exceeds 40 ℃ and lasts for a long time, it can not only cause seizures, but also permanent brain damage, leading to neurological sequelae. It is important to identify the cause of fever: high ambient temperature or increased endogenous heat production (such as infection)? Therefore, when a newborn has a fever, excessive coverings can be removed first, relevant heat sources can be turned off, and then temperature monitoring can be continued.
Early identification: Newborn babies experience an increase in body temperature and dry lips. It is necessary to replenish water and loosen the bag to dissipate heat appropriately, and take the newborn to the hospital for treatment in a timely manner.
3. Neonatal jaundice: It can be divided into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice.
Physiological jaundice: generally good condition; Jaundice appears in full-term infants 2-3 days, peaks in 4-5 days, subsides in 5-7 days, and does not exceed 2 weeks at the latest; Jaundice in premature infants occurs more frequently than 3-5 days after birth, peaks in 5-7 days, subsides in 7-9 days, and can be delayed up to 4 weeks; Bilirubin is not high.
Pathological jaundice: jaundice occurs within 24 hours after birth. Jaundice progresses rapidly and is severe. Jaundice lasts for a long time, or progressively worsens, or recurs. Often caused by infection, hemolysis, bleeding, delayed fetal discharge, congenital diseases, etc.
Pay attention to the treatment of neonatal jaundice! Because severe jaundice can lead to bilirubin encephalopathy, the mortality rate is high in severe cases, and survivors often have sequelae.
Early identification: Newborns with jaundice may experience premature onset, rapid progression, delayed resolution, recurrence, or be accompanied by poor milk absorption or poor mental state, and should seek medical attention immediately.
4. Neonatal diarrhea: manifested as changes in stool frequency and consistency, with a significant increase in stool frequency and consistency, including loose stools, watery stools, and mucous stools; Accompanied by decreased appetite, even refusal to breastfeed, vomiting, mental fatigue, crying and restlessness. Severe acute diarrhea is accompanied by disturbances in water, electrolytes, and acid-base balance, especially dehydration, resulting in sunken eye sockets, poor skin elasticity, and oliguria.
Early identification: If a newborn baby experiences an increase in bowel movements and changes in their characteristics, decreased appetite, poor breastfeeding, and other abnormalities, seek medical attention immediately.
5. Neonatal convulsions: The symptoms of neonatal convulsions are very atypical, mostly localized, with half body convulsions or muscle spasms, manifested as angular twitching, binocular gaze, strabismus, blinking, sucking, and swallowing like movements. It can also be systemic or limb twitching, but this situation is rare. Common causes include birth injury, neonatal asphyxia, neonatal tetanus, intracranial hemorrhage, encephalitis, meningitis, cerebral hypoplasia, intrauterine infection, genetic metabolic diseases, etc.
Early identification: It is necessary to fully open the baby's blanket, carefully observe natural posture and spontaneous movements, and seek medical attention immediately if there are systemic or local body twitches.
6. Newborn rash: A rash refers to any skin change that affects color, appearance, or texture. Although most newborn rashes are benign and do not require treatment, some rashes require further examination and intervention. It is recommended to consult with a neonatologist or dermatologist for any special skin damage.
Early identification: Newborn babies may develop skin rashes, but there is no improvement after nursing care. It is necessary to seek medical attention in a timely manner.
7. Neonatal omphalitis: Often manifested as redness and swelling of the skin around the navel, with or without purulent discharge. In severe cases, it can lead to cellulitis, fever, reduced milk intake, and even some sepsis symptoms.
Most infections are caused by improper care, and the navel needs to be kept clean and dry. When changing diapers, be careful not to be contaminated by feces or urine.
Early identification: Newborn babies may experience redness, swelling, and bleeding of the skin around the navel, accompanied by exudation of secretions, and require timely medical attention.
Overall, newborns have a delicate constitution and require careful care. If there are any abnormalities, it is necessary to seek consultation from a reputable neonatology department in a timely manner. It is not recommended to observe at home on one's own.