Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Therapy
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Therapy
December 22 2022 TalktoAngel 0 comments 1359 Views
A series of issues known as neonatal abstinence syndrome
(NAS) affect newborns that were exposed to addictive illegal or prescription
drugs while in the mother's womb. There are two main categories of NAS: NAS
resulting from prenatal or maternal drug use, which causes withdrawal symptoms
in the infant, and postnatal NAS resulting from the termination of drugs like
fentanyl or morphine used for pain relief in the newborn.
When an infant is exposed to narcotic
drugs, painkillers, or other addictive chemicals while still in the
womb, they may develop neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), a condition that can
cause long-term health problems. Your placenta, an organ that transfers
nutrition and oxygen from your body to the body of your unborn child within
your uterus, is how your kid obtains these medications.
Signs and symptoms of Neonatal
Abstinence Syndrome
- Crying loudly
- Tremors
- Angry and restless
- Difficult to fall or
stay asleep
- Rigid body
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Little or no weight gain
- Feeding issues
- Frequent or diarrheal
stools
- Sweating
- Unpleasant diaper rash
- A congested nose or
persistent sneezing
- Dehydration
- Harsh sucking
- Skin sensitivity
- Often yawning
- Seizures but they are
rare
- Fast breathing
- Frequent sneezing or stuffy nose
Variations in the syndrome's symptoms may occur depending
on:
- The kind of substance
consumed
- When it was last used
- How the medication is
processed by your body
- Age of gestation when your child was born or premature birth
Long term symptoms are
- Developmental delays
- Behavioral problems
- Problems with growth
- Not able to gain weight
too easily
- Hearing problems
- Problems with vision
- Short term memory problems
Diagnosis
The examinations listed below may be required to identify
NAS cases:
- Enzyme immunoassay and
radioimmunoassay
- A blood test
- Tests for urine
toxicology
- Meconium examination
- Drug testing on
umbilical chord
- Hair examination
Causes of neonatal abstinence
syndrome
The most common cause of NAS is an excessive usage by
pregnant woman of substances like heroin, codeine, oxycodone (Oxycontin),
methadone, or buprenorphine. The placenta, which joins the foetus to its mother
in the pregnancy, is permeable to these compounds as well as others. Along with
the mother, the infant grows reliant on the medicine. The kid will be born
dependent on the medicines if the mother uses them during the last week or so
before giving birth. After birth, the infant no longer receives the medication;
therefore withdrawal symptoms could develop when the medication gradually
leaves the baby's system.
Babies who were exposed to alcohol, benzodiazepines,
barbiturates, and certain antidepressants (SSRIs) while they were developing
may also have withdrawal symptoms. Babies whose moms has been using opioids and
other addictive substances (such as nicotine, amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana,
and alcohol), may develop the symptoms of NAS. Although there isn't any
concrete proof that other medications cause NAS, they might exacerbate a baby's
NAS symptoms. The moms who are using such substance need to seek online consultation with best
psychiatrists near me
during the period of pregnancy, and should also seek online therapy with best clinical psychologist India.
Complications of neonatal abstinence
syndrome
In addition to withdrawal issues during birth, a newborn may
experience the following complications:
- The uterus's inadequate
development
- Being prematurely born
- Seizures
- The skin or eyes turning
yellow (jaundice)
- Birth flaws
Drug use during pregnancy has been linked to later
developmental delay even in the absence of neonatal abstinence syndrome. This
might also be the outcome of the baby's upbringing setting. Studies have also
shown that people who are born with NAS might also have problems like ADHD, anxiety and depression when they grow up.
Treatment of neonatal abstinence
syndrome
The sort of medication your baby took, how much of it was in
their system, how sick they were overall, and how severe their symptoms were
will all affect how they are treated for neonatal abstinence syndrome.
Treatment could consist of:
- Using medication to
gradually lessen the severity of the symptoms.
- If they are dehydrated,
they will be given fluids through an IV (intravenous) in their vein.
- Applying a lotion or
ointment to reduce skin rashes and diaper rash.
- Adjusting feeding schedules so that your infant receives
high-calorie formula in smaller, more often feedings to aid in weight gain.
Specific medications have been connected to particular
infant health issues. These issues could involve:
- Methadone, heroin, and
other opioids can cause the newborn to experience severe withdrawal symptoms.
Some symptoms can last for up to four or six months. Babies born to opioid
addicts may also experience seizures.
- Amphetamine use can
result in low birth weight and early delivery.
- Poor growth can result
from cocaine use. Additionally, it increases the likelihood of complications
including placental abruption.
- Lower birth weight, as
well as later learning and behavioural issues, is all possible effects of
marijuana use.
- Both before and after birth,
alcohol usage can have serious consequences for newborns. Growth is hindered
both during pregnancy and after delivery. Additionally, it may result in
specific head and facial issues, heart anomalies, learning difficulties, and
psychological issues.
- Low birth weight may result from cigarette smoking. Additionally,
it can increase a baby's risk of stillbirth and early birth.
For further assistance connect with the “Best Psychiatrist near me” and connect with TalktoAngel India’s no.1 Online Counselling and mental health well-being platform.
Contributed by: Dr (Prof)
R K Suri & Dr. Sakshi Kochhar
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