What are the common health problems of premature infants?

Premature babies are babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Because their organs and systems are not fully developed, they face many health problems. The following are common health problems of premature infants:

1. Respiratory system problems: The lungs of premature infants may not be fully developed, leading to dyspnea or respiratory distress syndrome. This may require the use of a ventilator or other supportive respiratory therapy.

2. Digestive system problems: The intestines of premature infants may not be fully developed, resulting in imperfect gastrointestinal function and prone to feeding difficulties, vomiting, diarrhea and other problems. Sometimes it may be necessary to provide nutrition through intravenous infusion.

3. Immune system problem: The immune system of premature infants is not fully developed, and it is easy to be infected with pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. Therefore, they may need to receive antibiotic treatment or other immune support measures.

4. Nervous system problems: The brain and nervous system of premature infants may not be fully developed, which may lead to mental retardation, dyskinesia, epilepsy and other problems. Early intervention and rehabilitation are very important to promote the neurological development of premature infants.

5. Eye problems: Premature infants may suffer from retinopathy, that is, abnormal growth of retinal blood vessels, which may lead to impaired vision or even blindness. Regular eye examination is very important for early detection and treatment of these problems.

6. Cardiovascular problems: Premature infants may have problems such as abnormal heart structure and low blood pressure. These conditions may require echocardiography and other cardiovascular support treatments.

In addition to the above common problems, premature infants may also face other health challenges, such as anemia, jaundice and difficulty in thermoregulation. Therefore, premature infants usually need close monitoring and nursing in neonatal intensive care unit to ensure their health and development. If the child is born prematurely, please seek medical attention in time and treat and care according to the doctor's advice.