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Cot death
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) – sometimes known as "cot death"
The sudden, unexpected and unexplained death of an apparently healthy baby. In the UK, around 200 babies die suddenly and unexpectedly every year.
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Research shows that a baby dies suddenly and unexpectedly every nine days in Scotland and the majority of families will never know why their healthy baby has died.
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Sudden infant death syndrome is the sudden and unexplained death of a baby younger than 1-year-old. SIDS is sometimes called “crib death” This is because the death may happen when the baby is sleeping in a crib. SIDS is one of the leading causes of death in babies from 1 month to 1 year. It most often happens between 2 and 4 months.
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Researchers do not know the exact cause of SIDS. Studies have shown that some babies who die from SIDs may have the following:
Problems with brain function Some babies have problems with the part of the brain that helps control breathing and waking during sleep. Babies born with problems in other parts of the brain or body may also be more likely to die from cot death.
Differences in genes Some genes and the environment may work together to increase the risk. Problems with heart function Studies found a link between heart function and cot death.
Infection: A few babies who die from cot death have respiratory infections before death. Cot death happens more often during colder months when respiratory illnesses are more common.
A diagnosis of SIDS or Cot Death is made when the cause of death remains unexplained after a full investigation.
An investigation includes:
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Examining the body after death
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Examining where the death took place
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Reviewing any symptoms of illness in the baby prior to death
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Any other related history.
Further information:
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Website
https://scottishcotdeathtrust.org
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The Scottish Cot Death Trust
0141 357 3946