SIDS

SIDS ( Sudden Infant Death Syndrome ) is sudden death in infants with no known cause. SIDS is also known as crib death or cot death , because it often occurs when a baby is sleeping. However, do not rule out SIDS also occurs when the baby is not sleeping.

SIDS is one of the main causes of infant death, especially those aged 2–4 months. Some research states that SIDS is caused by disturbances in metabolism and heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias). However, many cases of SIDS do not know the exact cause.

Causes of SIDS

The cause of SIDS is not known with certainty. However, it is suspected that this sudden death was caused by the following factors:

• Mutations or abnormalities in genes
• Disorders in the brain
• Low birth weight
• Lung infection

Apart from the conditions above, the risk of SIDS is also related to the following factors:

• Sleeping
  position Sleeping on the side or stomach can make it difficult for the baby to breathe, especially if he is put to sleep on a surface or a mattress that is too soft.
• Room temperature Room
  temperature that is too hot when the baby is sleeping is believed to increase the risk of SIDS.
• Sleeping in the same bed
  Sleeping in the same bed with parents or other people risks making the baby's breath obstructed or the baby crushed.

The risk of SIDS is also thought to be influenced by several factors in the mother, such as:

• Pregnant while still under 20 years old
• Smoking during pregnancy
• Consuming alcoholic beverages or abusing drugs
• Do not carry out routine controls to health facilities during pregnancy
• Have given birth to a child who died of SIDS

There are also factors in babies that are thought to increase the risk of getting SIDS, namely:

• Male gender
• 2–4 months old
• born prematurely
• Exposed to cigarette smoke

SIDS symptoms

SIDS occurs suddenly. Therefore, this condition does not show any symptoms. Babies who look healthy and don't suffer from diseases can also experience SIDS.

When to see a doctor

Be alert and have your baby checked by a doctor if his health condition is declining, especially if there are any of the following signs:

• Stop breathing suddenly
• Breathing appears fast accompanied by a pull (retraction) between the ribs
• Does not wake up from sleep even though it has been awakened
• Febrile convulsion
• Excessive allergic reactions
• Body temperature is high but feet and hands are cold
• Body temperature remains high even though fever-reducing drugs have been given
• The baby becomes quiet and lethargic even though the body temperature is not high
• The baby is difficult or does not want to breastfeed

Diagnosis SIDS

SIDS cannot be diagnosed because of its sudden nature. What's more, SIDS can be caused by a variety of conditions.

SIDS Complications in Parents

Parents who lose a baby suddenly will experience grief and mourning so deep that they show symptoms such as:

• Numb and confused
• Sadness accompanied by long crying
• Often feel tired both physically and mentally
• Feeling guilty

Parents whose babies experience SIDS events need to be accompanied so they don't get lost in grief. Also, reassure them that SIDS is not entirely their fault.

Mental Recovery in Parents After SIDS

The loss of a loved one certainly causes a deep feeling of sadness. These conditions can trigger mental stress.

Therefore, parents whose babies experience SIDS can share their feelings with close relatives or people with the same experience. This is expected to help reduce the stress that arises as a result of the event.

In addition, it would be better if people who have lost their babies due to SIDS consult further with a psychologist or psychiatrist.

SIDS prevention

There is no method that can definitely prevent SIDS. However, there are several efforts that can reduce the risk, namely:

• Put the baby to sleep on his back, at least for the first year.
• Do not use bedding that is thick and too soft for the baby.
• Avoid leaving pillows or soft toys in the baby's crib .
• Give the baby clothes that can keep the body temperature to stay warm, so that there is no need to wrap it with extra blankets.
• Avoid covering the baby's head with any object.
• Sleep the baby in the same room as the parents but with a separate bed.
• Give babies exclusive breastfeeding until the age of 6 months.
• Give the baby complete immunizations and according to schedule.

Some studies say that giving a pacifier can reduce the risk of SIDS. However, the effectiveness of this method has not been proven conclusively. Therefore, consult with a doctor to find out the right prevention efforts, especially if you see health problems in babies.