Table of Contents
- Overview
- Prevention
Finally, a breathing machine or ventilator may be needed to deliver increased oxygen to the baby. The oxygen flows through a tube placed down the baby's windpipe.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF OXYGEN?
Too much or too little oxygen can be harmful. If the cells in the body receive too little oxygen, energy production is decreased. With too little energy, cells may not work properly and may die. Your baby may not grow properly. There is risk for injury to many of the developing organs, including the brain and heart.
However, too much oxygen can also cause injury. Breathing too much oxygen can cause injury to the lung. Under certain conditions, too much oxygen in the blood may also lead to problems in the brain and eye. Babies with certain heart conditions may also require lower levels of oxygen in the blood. Your baby’s doctors and nurses try to balance how much oxygen is needed to minimize the risks of too little or too much oxygen. If you have other questions regarding the risks and benefits of oxygen in your baby, you should discuss these with your doctor.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF OXYGEN DELIVERY SYSTEMS?
Infants receiving oxygen by hood may get cold if the temperature of the oxygen is not warm enough.
Most (but not all) nasal cannulas use cool, dry oxygen. At higher flow rates, this can lead to irritation of the inner nose, such as cracked skin, bleeding, or mucous plugs in the nose. This can increase the risk for infection.
Similar problems can occur with nasal CPAP devices. Also, some CPAP devices use wide nasal prongs that can distort the nose.
Review Date: 12/17/2009
Reviewed By: Kimberly G Lee, MD, MSc, IBCLC, Associate Professor of Pediatrics,
Division of Neonatology, Medical University of South Carolina,
Charleston, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also
reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
