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

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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