Sudden death syndrome - causes and prevention

Sudden death syndrome is a sudden onset of death in a seemingly healthy child who has no symptoms or clinical picture of any disease. Depending on the age, we distinguish between sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and sudden unexplained death in childhood syndrome.

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

It occurs in children up to one year of age, mostly in their sleep. It most often occurs between the second and fourth month of life, it is more common in boys, in winter, and in children who do not breastfeed.

Sudden unexplained death in childhood syndrome

It occurs in a child older than one year, it also most often occurs in sleep, but it is less frequent than in infants.

The true cause of this condition has not yet been determined, but scientists believe that a combination of the child's developmental characteristics, maternal and environmental factors leads to its occurrence.

The most common risk factors

  • position - sleeping on the tummy,
  • sleeping on too soft surfaces
  • sleeping in the same bed with parents
  • soft toys and pillows in the crib
  • preterm birth or low birth weight
  • the inability of the body to detect excess carbon dioxide in the blood
  • difficulties waking up the child
  • overheating of the body
  • exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy and after birth
  • inadequate prenatal care
  • poor socioeconomic living conditions
  • babies from twin or multiple pregnancies
  • short interval between pregnancies
  • mother's age below 20 
  • respiratory tract infections.

How to reduce the likelihood of this condition?

  • The baby should sleep on his/her back (because it is the safest position - it reduces the probability of SIDS by 50%).
  • The baby should sleep in his/her own crib.
  • The baby should not sleep in the same bed with the parents, but should sleep in the same room with them.
  • There should be no toys (especially plush ones), pillows or heavier bedding (quilts, heavier blankets, etc.) in the baby's crib.
  • Avoid overheating the room where the baby sleeps and dressing the child too warmly. Room temperature should be 18-22 °C)
  • Do not expose the baby to tobacco smoke - do not smoke in the room where the child is staying, and it is best to completely avoid smoking at home.
  • Use a baby alarm - for continuous monitoring of the child and his/her condition.
  • Breastfeed for at least six months, because it reduces the possibility of respiratory tract infections, which are one of the risk factors for the development of this condition.
  • In older children, an adequate diet and sleep regime is important - the child should not go to bed immediately after a meal.
  • If the child has difficulty waking up - this and similar disorders should be reported to the pediatrician.

There are currently no products or agents on the market whose use can prevent sudden death syndrome. Knowledge of the basics and techniques of first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation are essential for preventing deaths and parents are recommended to learn these skills.