Babies get pulmonary hypertension in a few different ways. Sometimes the condition is hereditary. In other cases, a mother’s exposure to certain prescription medications, environmental hazards, and other toxins may be responsible for the condition. If a baby has a difficult birth and fails to receive the proper medical attention, then it may develop pulmonary hypertension. According to MedlinePlus, pulmonary hypertension in infants also can be caused by some medications, illicit drugs, tumors, conditions genetically passed down from family members, or thyroid issues.
Birth Complications That Can Cause Pulmonary Hypertension in Babies
The birth process can be quite stressful and potentially damaging to both a baby and its mother. If not handled correctly, babies are at risk for pulmonary hypertension and similar health complications. Sometimes signs of pulmonary hypertension are immediately noticeable in a baby following the birth process. In these cases, nurses, doctors, and other medical professionals should act fast to administer timely treatment. When medical staff fail to diagnose and treat pulmonary hypertension properly, the results can be devastating.
If you suspect that an act of neglect or medical malpractice led to your baby suffering from pulmonary hypertension, then you may be entitled to receive financial compensation. A lawyer who focuses on birth injuries will work to establish a liable party as they keep you updated on your case. Legal teams will also do their part to go after any forms of monetary compensation to which you may be entitled after an incident of medical malpractice.
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Diagnosing and Treating Pulmonary Hypertension in Babies
The diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension in babies is usually made close to the time of birth. If doctors or nurses notice any common symptoms of pulmonary hypertension, such as hard, rapid breathing; difficulty breathing; or low blood pressure, then they will perform thorough tests to determine whether a baby has pulmonary hypertension. In cases where no immediate symptoms are present, medical professionals may check for unusual breathing or heartbeat patterns.
Treatments for pulmonary hypertension in babies vary in their approach depending on the severity of the symptoms. Some babies may require immediate breathing support through oxygen devices. In other cases, doctors may use ventilators and other pieces of medical equipment to intervene. Regardless of the situation, pulmonary hypertension is a condition that necessitates a swift diagnosis and treatment plan.
If left undiagnosed and untreated, pulmonary hypertension can cause serious medical complications for a newborn baby. Sometimes a doctor’s late or incorrect diagnosis causes unnecessary harm to a child. If you suspect that an act of medical malpractice injured or harmed you or your baby, then you may be entitled to compensation. Lawyers who focus on these cases can collect evidence such as medical records and witness reports to aid in the establishment of a liable party. If you suffered injuries, then you may be eligible for compensation to cover the costs of your medical bills. A lawyer will also account for other recoverable damages that you may be owed for losses such as lost wages, emotional trauma, and therapy programs.
Doctors may use some prescription medications to treat a baby’s symptoms. Many of the current prescription medicines used to treat pulmonary hypertension in babies are quite expensive. However, researchers continue to work on finding more options to treat babies with the condition. As the Cochrane Database Systematic Review points out, prescription medications are being studied to handle some of the symptoms associated with pulmonary hypertension in a newborn baby.
Contact a Birth Injury Lawyer Today
If you think that your baby got pulmonary hypertension due to an act of negligence, misconduct, or medical malpractice, then you may be entitled to compensation. Nevertheless, conquering the hurdles present in such an incident can prove to be overwhelming. But you do not have to seek justice on your own.
A lawyer who focuses on birth injuries and medical malpractice can stand up to defend your rights as they build a case on your behalf. Legal teams can work to establish a liable party by gathering relevant forms of evidence and interpreting any laws that may be relevant in your situation. You may be owed financial compensation for your past and future medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other recoverable damages. For a free consultation, please call the Birth Injury Lawyers Group today at (800) 222-9529.
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