Question

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is one of the most common causes of death in infants. At what age is SIDS most likely to occur?

1. 1 to 2 years
2. 1 week to 1 year, peaking at 2 to 4 months
3. 6 months to 1 year, peaking at 10 months
4. 6 to 8 weeks

Answer 1

SIDS typically occurs in infants aged 1 week to 1 year, with a peak at 2 to 4 months. Risk factors include premature birth and secondhand smoke, while preventive measures include back-sleeping and a clear crib.

Step-by-step explanation:

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is a disturbing condition that is a leading cause of death in infants, particularly for those younger than 12 months. It most often occurs between 1 week to 1 year of age, with a peak at 2 to 4 months. Understanding this condition involves looking into various risk factors, such as premature birth, exposure to secondhand smoke, and sleeping practices, like infants sleeping on their stomachs.

To reduce the risk of SIDS, parents are advised to place infants on their backs to sleep, ensure that cribs are free of objects that may cause suffocation, and to avoid overheating and exposure to tobacco smoke. Research continues to delve into the unknown cause of SIDS, aiming to uncover the role of the brain in controlling arousal from sleep and breathing. These efforts are complemented by public health recommendations that have led to a decrease in the incidence of SIDS.