A large portion on NICU care revolves around respiratory support for infants who having difficulty breathing and requiring special care for this problem. There are various ways to help provide this support which range from Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation (IMV) to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP).
An oxyhood is a clear plastic hood that fits over the infant's head to deliver a constant concentration of oxygen. Your baby's oxygen level will be monitored by a machine called an oximeter. The staff adjusts the oxygen (room air is 21% oxygen) in the oxyhood based on the oxygen level in your baby's blood system detected by the oximeter.
CPAP is used when an infant can breathe on their own but not effective enough to keep their oxygen at a adequate level. When an infant is on CPAP they have small prongs placed in their nose and a hat to secure the tubing in place. CPAP delivers a continuous flow of air and oxygen to keep the small air sacs in the lungs inflated.
IMV works by placing a small tube, called an endotracheal tube (ET), into the baby's windpipe. This is connected to a ventilator that assists with the baby's breathing. Because the ET tube is placed between the vocal cords and the windpipe, you will not be able to hear your baby cry.
There are some respiratory problems that benefit from a substance called Surfactant. This is a medication given through an endotracheal tube into a baby's lungs to help keep the air sacs open. A neonatalogist determines the need for this treatment based on the infant's condition.
An important part of our baby's care may include treatments given by a respiratory therapist (RT). One type of treatment called percussion helps loosen lung secretions. The therapist will use either a padded electric vibrator or padded plastic cup. Another type of treatment, known as suctioning, involves the removal of secretions from the lungs or back of the mouth.
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