Meconium Aspiration Syndrome

Meconium Aspiration Syndrome

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Meconium Aspiration Syndrome

Meconium Aspiration Syndrome

The first stool or the feces of a newborn is called meconium. Meconium aspiration syndrome is a condition that happens in case a newborn child breathes in a combination of amniotic and meconium fluids when delivery is in process. (Geis, 2017)Meconium aspiration syndrome is a condition that leads to other illnesses. In addition to causing different diseases, the condition can also result in death. Estimates show that the situation of the Meconium aspiration syndrome happens to about 10% of the newborns. (Geis, 2017) During labor, if the fetus is stressed, there is a high chance of inhaling the meconium and the amniotic fluids. In most cases, the children that develop this condition are usually beyond their delivery dates.

To tell a child has Meconium aspiration syndrome, one can look at the color of the child’s skin. If the child has a skin that looks bluish, he or she might be having the meconium aspiration syndrome. (Geis, 2017)Besides, if the amniotic fluid has dark stains, there is a possibility that there is the presence of meconium in the liquid. Other signs that can tell that an infant is suffering from the meconium aspiration syndrome includes the child showing limpness after they are born and if the child is undergoing difficulties in breathing.

To treat this condition, it is essential to suction the mouth of the infant during delivery immediately when the head of the infant emerges, and it is visible. If the meconium stains are thick, there is a need for going for further treatments. (Geis, 2017)The other procedures may include putting the infant in a breathing machine. By doing this, the lungs of the infant will be kept inflated. A warmer may also be used to keep the temperature at its normal state, and finally, antibiotics can be prescribed to treat the infection.

Summary

In summary, I can say that the meconium aspiration syndrome is a condition that happens to newborns. For this condition to occur, an inborn inhales amniotic fluid as well as meconium into his or her lungs. This condition only occurs during childbirth. It is also clear that children that are prone to this condition are mostly past the delivery dates. If the meconium aspiration syndrome occurs, a child may have difficulties in breathing since the lungs of the infant are filled with the breathed.

Nonetheless, it is equally important to denote that this condition can be identified when the child is born through observations. The medical practitioner can quickly determine whether the child has inhaled meconium and amniotic fluid. If they spot that the amniotic liquid is thick and has dark stains, they can immediately look for a way to treat the child before the situation worsens. A good example is ensuring that the newborn’s mouth is suctioned; the head immediately emerges during birth. Alternatively, medical practitioners can do a deep suction of the child’s trachea to remove any traces of meconium or amniotic fluid.

Finally, after the moth of the infant has been suctioned and the trachea, then medical practitioner, together with the mother of this child, can work in conjunction to keep the child stable. The medical practitioners can ensure that the mother covers her child with warmer clothes to make sure that the temperature is maintained. The practitioners can also administer antibiotics to the child.

References

Geis, G. (2017). Meconium Aspiration Syndrome: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology. Emedicine.medscape.com. Retrieved 10 April 2020, from https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/974110-overview.