Can you die if you have patent ductus arteriosus?

Will you die if you have patent ductus arteriosus? Patent ductus arteriosus will not affect the patient's life span after surgical treatment, but if it is not treated in time or the opportunity for treatment is missed, it is possible to die suddenly. Prevention of ductus arteriosus is better than cure. Let's take a look at how to prevent the occurrence of patent ductus arteriosus.

Ensure adequate sleep. Older children should have a regular life, combining rest and activity. They should not run around outside (running, jumping and strenuous exercise are strictly prohibited), nor should they lie in bed all day. They must get enough sleep at night to reduce the burden on the heart.

Children with heart failure tend to sweat a lot, so they need to keep their skin clean, take frequent baths in summer, wipe their bodies with hot towels in winter (keep warm), change clothes frequently, and give them plenty of water to ensure adequate hydration.

Keep your bowel movements smooth. If your stool is dry or defecation is difficult, exerting excessive force will increase abdominal pressure, increase the burden on the heart, and even have serious consequences.

Keep the room well ventilated and avoid crowded public places to reduce the chance of respiratory infection. Add or remove clothes according to the weather and pay close attention to preventing colds.

Go to the hospital's cardiology clinic for regular follow-up and take medication strictly according to the doctor's orders, especially cardiotonic and diuretic drugs. Due to their pharmacological properties, the dosage must be absolutely controlled and taken on time and according to the course of treatment to ensure the efficacy. Before taking cardiotonic drugs each time, the pulse rate must be measured. If the heart rate is too slow, stop taking the drugs immediately to prevent drug toxicity and endanger the child's life.