Neonatal Oxygen Therapy: Supporting Respiratory Health in Newborns

What Is Neonatal Oxygen Therapy?

Neonatal oxygen therapy is a process of supplementing increased oxygen levels to attain normal oxygen values in the blood. Not all newborn babies may require oxygen therapy. Babies with weak lung and heart function, especially premature babies with poorly developed lungs, may require more oxygen. The air we breathe has 21 percent oxygen, and the baby may get 100 percent oxygen through oxygen therapy.

How Is Oxygen Delivered?

The oxygen is delivered in different ways to the newborn. The delivery method depends on how much oxygen is required and if the baby needs a breathing machine to deliver the oxygen. The baby must be able to breathe independently before choosing any oxygen therapy method.

There are three methods to deliver oxygen-

1. Oxygen Is Delivered Through the Oxygen Hood: The children who can breathe on their own may use an oxygen hood or head box but still may require increased levels of oxygen. An oxygen hood is considered a headbox, plastic dome, or box with warm moist oxygen inside, and this hood is usually placed on the head of the baby.

2. Nasal Cannula: A nasal cannula can be used instead of an oxygen hood. The nasal cannula is a thin plastic tube with soft prongs that usually gently fit into the nose of the baby. Oxygen flows through the tube and is delivered to the baby.

3. Nasal CPAP System: CPAP is the continuous positive airway pressure. The nasal CPAP is the method that delivers oxygen to newborns. This is a method to deliver oxygen that requires more oxygen amounts than the oxygen delivered through the oxygen hood or the nasal cannula and still can breathe on their own. The oxygen is delivered to the babies with high pressure that keeps the lungs open, inflated, or expanded; the air flows through the tubes and is attached by soft nasal prongs or a mouth mask. In the end, the ventilator or breathing machines are required to deliver oxygen and for comfortable breathing of the baby. The ventilator or oxygen therapy is given when the baby is too weak, tired, or sick and has difficulty in breathing.

What Are the Risks of Oxygen Therapy in Neonates?

Oxygen therapy risks include too much oxygen supply, and too little oxygen supply may damage the cells. For example, too little oxygen supply to the cells may result in damage to cells, causing organ failure and excess oxygen supply, especially in preterm infants. The excessively poorly developed lungs cannot take the excess oxygen and also causes brain and eye damage. Infants with heart conditions may also require little oxygen because too much oxygen can result in heart failure. The health care provider has to continuously monitor the levels of oxygen supply and should try to balance the oxygen levels according to the baby's needs. Some of the other risks of delivering the oxygen system include the following:

• The neonatal babies receiving oxygen may suffer from cold if the temperature of the oxygen delivered is not as warm as required.

• The dry oxygen used by nasal cannulas may irritate the inner portion of the nose, causing cracks in the nose, bleeding, or mucus plugs in the nose. These symptoms may increase the chance of infection.

• The problems are similar while using CPAP devices too. The nasal prongs used during the oxygen delivery through the CPAP system can deform the shape of the nose.

• There are risks of delivering oxygen to infants by mechanical ventilators also. Discuss any questions or doubts regarding oxygen therapy in newborns with the healthcare provider. During the whole process of delivering oxygen to newborns, the healthcare provider may monitor and track the oxygen level continuously to avoid unnecessary complications.

What Are the Health Conditions That Require Oxygen Therapy?

The following are the health conditions where oxygen therapy is required:

• Asthma.

• Pneumonia.

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

• Poorly developed lungs.

• Heart problems.

• Lung problems.

• Sleep disorders.

• Cystic fibrosis.

• Any injury to the respiratory system.

What Are the Symptoms That Are Seen With Low Oxygen Levels?

The following are the symptoms that are associated with low oxygen levels:

• Rapid heart rates.

• Shortness of breath.

• Coughing and wheezing are seen.

• Discolored skin.

• Confusion.

What Are the Benefits of Oxygen Therapy?

Neonatal oxygen therapy offers several benefits for newborn infants who require supplemental oxygen. These benefits include:

1. Improved Oxygenation: Neonatal oxygen therapy ensures that newborns with respiratory difficulties receive an adequate supply of oxygen. It helps increase oxygen levels in the blood, promoting optimal oxygenation and supporting the functioning of vital organs.

2. Enhanced Respiratory Function: Oxygen therapy assists newborns in maintaining proper respiratory function. It can alleviate symptoms associated with respiratory distress, such as rapid breathing, retractions (visible inward movement of the chest during inhalation), and cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin).

3. Prevention of Hypoxemia: Hypoxemia, a condition characterized by low oxygen levels in the blood, can have detrimental effects on newborns. Oxygen therapy helps prevent or correct hypoxemia, reducing the risk of complications and supporting overall health.

4. Support for Lung Development: Adequate oxygenation is crucial for healthy lung development in newborns. Oxygen therapy provides the necessary support to optimize lung function and promote proper growth and maturation of the lungs.

5. Increased Energy and Comfort: Improved oxygenation through therapy can enhance energy levels in newborns. It promotes better feeding, increased activity, and overall comfort, allowing infants to thrive and develop optimally.

6. Support for Medical Conditions: Neonatal oxygen therapy is often employed for infants with specific medical conditions, such as respiratory distress syndrome, transient tachypnea of the newborn, pneumonia, or congenital heart defects. It helps manage these conditions, alleviates symptoms, and supports the infant's recovery.

7. Prevention of Organ Damage: Sufficient oxygen supply is essential for preventing organ damage in newborns. Oxygen therapy ensures that organs, including the brain and heart, receive adequate oxygenation, reducing the risk of long-term complications.

8. Promotes Stable Vital Signs: By maintaining optimal oxygen levels, neonatal oxygen therapy can help stabilize vital signs such as heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation. This stability is crucial for the overall well-being of the newborn.

Conclusion

Neonatal oxygen therapy is a process of delivering increased levels of oxygen to attain the normal values of oxygen levels in the blood. The oxygen is delivered in different ways to the newborn. The delivery method depends on how much oxygen is required and if the baby needs a breathing machine to deliver the oxygen. The baby must be able to breathe independently before choosing any oxygen therapy method. Regular monitoring has to be done by the health care provider to check the oxygen levels and try to balance the oxygen levels. Any imbalances in the oxygen levels may result in complications, so it is always better to be cautious and talk to a healthcare provider.