Treatment and Oral Recovery for Newborns with Moderate to Severe HIE

Question

At 27 days old, a newborn has been diagnosed with moderate to severe HIE and is now facing difficulties with swallowing and breastfeeding. Oral recovery treatment is needed, but local hospital conditions are limited. How should oral recovery treatment be carried out? What precautions should be taken?

Answer

Before performing oral care, clean your hands first, place the baby in a semi-reclining position, and wrap a towel around the chin and pillow to prevent moisture. Use tongs to hold saltwater cotton balls, first cleaning the inside of both cheeks and the outer side of the teeth, then the inner side of the teeth and tongue, using a new cotton ball for each area. Avoid touching the throat to prevent discomfort. After cleaning, dry the face and corners of the mouth with a towel. Dry lips can be lubricated with beeswax or vegetable oil. The items used for oral care must be kept clean and hygienic, and sterilized. Do not use too much solution on the cotton balls to prevent the baby from inhaling it into the respiratory tract. Perform actions gently, and hold the cotton ball tightly to prevent it from falling into the back of the mouth, which could cause breathing difficulties.