Possible SIDS Breakthrough Gives Hope for Parents

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. This tragic and mysterious occurrence has been reported to claim about 2,500 babies each year in the United States. Typically, the child would be in their beds, and without warning, or any symptoms, the child's life would be claimed. Today, there is still no known cause for SIDS, but many theories. However, a medical breakthrough may be here.

Nearly one year ago, I spoke with cranial facial specialist, Dr. Steven Winbur about apnea.

"I believe that there is a link between children and possible sleep apnea and SIDS. The child stops breathing, and the brain is deprived of the oxygen that is needed."

I had never given it much more thought until a researchers claimed to have possibly found a significant clue to possibly help identify which infant would be more at risk for SIDS.

Dr. Daniel Rubens of Seattle's Children's Hospital and lead investigator in this study states that he had a hunch about the child's ears. He studied previous SIDS medical records, as well as the hearing tests that each infant was given before leaving the hospital.

Rubens states that each infant had weaker hearing in the right ear than their left. The surprising factor of the study: it had a difference in the test that were exactly the same; scoring at four points lower across three different frequencies. Besides for the hearing and balance, does the inner ear actually help control breathing? There are suggestions that say just that, as well as the ability to control their blood pressure as well.

His findings, (Rubens) are now bringing in new hope for many parents to possibly identify high risk babies, but there are more studies and tests that have yet to come. Many explanations and suggestions have been brought up front, and there was never a simple answer. Until then, it is important for parents and expected parents to learn more about SIDS, and to take measures to try to prevent SIDS for their child such as;

* Be sure the crib is up to U.S. Consumer & Safety Standards
* Make sure that the baby's room is not too warm.
* Have the baby sleeping on his/her back, on a firm surface. The child should not be allowed to sleep on their side, or stomach
* Avoid smoking and drinking. Expecting mothers should also be avoiding drugs and alcohol as well.
* If and when placing a blanket in the crib, place the child's feet at the foot of the bed, and then tuck a light blanket at the foot and sides of the mattress. Be sure that the blanket never comes up higher than the child's chest.
* Always do a visual check on the sleeping child often.
* Mother should breast feed as long as possible.

Knowledge is power. Please do what you can to prevent this tragic occurrence to your precious little one.

Sources:

Center of Disease Control & Prevention
American Academy of Pediatrics
John McKenzie, ABC News
American Sudden Infant Syndrome Institute