About this topic
Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn is also called PPHN. It is a rare disease that can happen in babies after they are born. PPHN causes breathing problems for your baby. The blood vessels in your babys lungs do not widen to carry oxygen and pressure builds up in your newborn's lungs. ‚
With PPHN, the pressure in your baby's lungs stays high and your baby is not able to breathe well. As a result, the blood flow and oxygen throughout the lungs will be low. Your baby may breathe fast or have blue lips. Some babies go home on oxygen. This is based on how well your baby responded to the doctor's treatments. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do to care for your baby.
- Give all drugs to your baby as ordered. Do not give other drugs without asking your babys doctor. Talk to your doctor if you see any side effects. Let the doctor know if you missed giving a dose to your baby.
- Talk to your doctor if you plan to travel with your baby. You may need to take extra care if going on an airplane. Going to a place with a high altitude may make it hard for your baby to breathe.
- When breastfeeding or giving your baby milk, let your baby eat slowly. Some babies have trouble taking feedings by mouth. Your baby may have a feeding tube.
- Your baby may go home on oxygen. You will be shown how to use the oxygen tanks and supplies.
What follow-up care is needed?
- The doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your babys progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your baby needs close watching for at least 2 to 3 years. You will need to take your baby to your doctor for special follow-up care.
- The doctor may send your baby to a hearing doctor to screen for any hearing problems.
- The doctor will watch your baby for any delays as your baby grows.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help lower blood pressure in the lungs
- Prevent blood clots
- Relax the muscles in the blood vessels of the lungs. This will help to raise blood flow to the heart.
- Get rid of extra fluid in the body
- Help control heartbeats
- Fight or prevent an infection
Will physical activity be limited?
- Your baby may become fussy and hard to comfort.
- Find a position that will be comfortable and will let your baby breathe easily when carried.
What problems could happen?
- Heart failure
- Bleeding of the brain
- Kidney failure
- Organ damage and failure
- Seizures
- Irregular or abnormal heartbeats
- Bleeding of the lungs
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
It is not possible to prevent this disease. Your future babies may not get this illness if you: ‚
- Have proper prenatal care during pregnancy.
- Avoid use of certain drugs during pregnancy.
- Keep a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy. This includes eating a healthy diet, not smoking, and not drinking beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Very fast or very slow breathing
- Trouble breathing ¢ ˆ ’ your babys skin pulls in under the ribs when breathing
- Bluish skin, especially around the mouth, eyes, or fingers, even when your baby has oxygen support
- Very fast heart rate
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you about your child. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my childs condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my child's breathing.
- I can tell you what I will do if my child has very fast or very slow breathing or bluish skin around the mouth, eyes, or fingers.
Where can I learn more?
American Lung Association ‚
http://www.lung.org/lung-disease/pulmonary-arterial-hypertension/understanding-pah.html ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/body_basics/lungs.html#a_Respiratory_Diseases_of_Newborns ‚
Pulmonary Hypertension Association ‚
http://www.phassociation.org/page.aspx?pid=2510 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚