How to promote lung health in premature babies

New Delhi: A study has found that extending continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) – a type of breathing apparatus – by two weeks to premature babies can help their lung development.From the 37th week of pregnancy The lungs of premature babies are not fully developed and this leads to changes in lung development and breathing problems that may persist long into adulthood. In the US Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University found that extending CPAP treatment by two weeks could help increase “lung volume and lung diffusive capacity.” While the treatment typically prevents premature births suffering from breathing problems, The team noted that “there is no consensus on the optimal length of treatment when a premature infant is recovering”.

“Extending CPAP treatment may be a simple and safe way to improve lung function and breathing in premature infants in the absence of lung augmentation therapy,” said Cindy T. McEvoy, MD, professor of pediatrics at the University of Oregon. “The study’s findings support CPAP treatment as beneficial for premature infants without the need for pharmaceuticals,” he said. For the study, the team kept a group of premature infants on CPAP treatment for an additional two weeks. Placed on CPAP treatment. After six months, preemies who received the additional treatment had larger, healthier lungs than those who did not. The findings, which will be presented at the ongoing Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2024 meeting in Toronto, will give physicians a better idea of ​​the treatment. Can help determine appropriate duration.