prone to sickness?

reiljen00

Hey everyone, I have an issue.  My baby has been coughing and is all congested for the passed couple of days.  The pedi said to put saline drops in her nose and keep a humidifier in the room.  ( we did that) The question I have is are preemies prone to bronchiatis or any other virus more?  She seems to not have a fever but won't eat her bottles at all.  I am thinking she might have a sore throat as well.  We are going back to the pedi today. 

SBMBride406

My DS is having the same symptoms as your DD. He ended up with an ear infection so he's on antibiotics now. I would definately get her checked out, just in case.

To answer your question, preemies born prior to 34 weeks gestational age are born before they receive antibodies to fight illness from their mothers, so they are more likely to get sick and likely to have a more difficult fighting illnesses for the first 1-2 years of life. Babies born with underdeveloped lungs (on a ventilator and/or oxygen at birth) are also more likely to have a difficult time fighting any respiratory virus.

RRHsMom

Yes.  Like pp said, peemies and babies who were on the vent are more prone to illness.  That is why we all live in a bubble!!!  Pedis of preemies are aware of this and are usually happy to check your baby out when you suspect something.  GL