What are the symptoms of patent ductus arteriosus in newborns?

Typical symptoms of patent ductus arteriosus in newborns include shortness of breath, difficulty feeding, slow weight gain, etc. This situation usually requires medication, surgery, or observation and waiting depending on the specific condition.

1. Rapid breathing is a common symptom of patent ductus arteriosus in newborns. Since the ductus arteriosus is not closed, blood will be shunted from the aorta to the pulmonary artery, increasing the burden on the lungs and causing faster breathing rate. Parents can observe whether the newborn's breathing rate exceeds 60 times per minute in a quiet state, or there is obvious labored breathing.

2. Feeding difficulties are also a symptom worth paying attention to. Newborns may show weakness in sucking, take too long to feed, and get easily tired. This is because the heart burden is increased, resulting in insufficient blood supply to the whole body, which affects normal feeding. Parents should pay attention to whether the amount of milk a newborn feeds each time is significantly reduced, or whether the baby frequently chokes on milk.

3. Slow weight gain is another important indicator. Because heart function is affected, nutrient absorption and metabolism may be hindered, resulting in unsatisfactory weight gain. Parents should regularly record the weight changes of newborns. If they find that the weight gain is significantly lower than that of babies of the same age, they should seek medical attention in time.

4. Other symptoms include cyanosis of the skin, increased heart rate, excessive sweating, etc. These symptoms may indicate impaired heart function and need to be taken seriously. Parents should closely observe changes in the newborn's complexion, heart rate, etc. to detect abnormalities in a timely manner.

For neonatal ductus arteriosus not closed, doctors will develop treatment plans based on specific circumstances. For children with mild symptoms, they may choose drug treatment, such as indomethacin, ibuprofen, etc., to help close the ductus arteriosus. For children with severe symptoms or those who are ineffective with drug treatment, surgical treatment may be required, including ductus ligation and ductus occlusion. For children without obvious symptoms, doctors may recommend regular follow-up observations to monitor changes in their condition.

The key to preventing patent ductus arteriosus in newborns is health care during pregnancy. Pregnant women should avoid exposure to harmful substances, such as smoking and drinking, and maintain good living habits. Regular prenatal examinations can detect fetal abnormalities in time and take corresponding measures. For premature babies, more intensive monitoring should be carried out to prevent complications.

Patent ductus arteriosus in newborns requires the joint attention of parents and doctors. Through early detection and timely treatment, most children can get a good prognosis. Parents should closely observe the physical condition of the newborn and conduct regular health checks to ensure timely detection and treatment of problems. At the same time, maintain a positive and optimistic attitude, cooperate with the doctor's treatment plan, and create good conditions for the healthy growth of the newborn.