Surfactant is a special substance that lines the inside of the alveoli of the lungs. Its main function is to maintain surface tension and the ability of the lungs to inflate and fall in when breathing. Especially important is its role during the first breath of a newborn. This substance has bactericidal properties, therefore, various medicines are made on its basis.
What is surfactant
Surfactant is a surfactant located in the pulmonary alveoli. It helps the lungs receive and absorb oxygen. The substance consists of proteins, polysaccharides and phospholipids. It is produced in the lung tissue.
The functions of the surfactant are that it provides normal breathing. In addition, it promotes a better assimilation of oxygen by participating in immune responses. It is worth noting that pulmonary surfactant is poorly produced in premature infants, which leads to the development of respiratory failure. In an adult, a deficiency of this substance can occur with burns of the respiratory system, lung injuries, and insufficient intake of fats into the body.
Basic properties
Surfactant is a substance that is complex in structure and composition. All its components are produced by lung tissue in a full-term baby, shortly before his birth. It is the underdeveloped system of surfactants that often causes respiratory failure or adhesion of the lungs of newborns, which as a result can lead to the death of the child.
Immaturity can also be observed in a full-term baby in the presence of provoking factors, for example, smoking during pregnancy. It is worth noting that this substance additionally has protective qualities, preventing the formation of inflammatory processes. This substance is characterized in that it:
- reduces surface tension in the alveoli;
- provides breathing stability;
- normalizes gas exchange;
- performs a decongestant function.
In addition, surfactant - a substance involved in the antibacterial protection of the alveoli, eliminates the inflammatory process in acute lung damage. Recently, therapy has been widely used with the introduction of this agent in neonatal intensive care units . Numerous trials have confirmed the effectiveness of the use of such drugs in the treatment of critical conditions and other respiratory diseases.
Preparations
Surfactant preparations temporarily replace the natural substance in case of violations of its formation. They are used in the treatment of distress syndrome in newborns. Among the main drugs, one can distinguish the following:
- "Exosurf";
- "Kurosurf";
- “ACC”;
- "Bromhexine."
The drug "Kurosurf" contains a surfactant isolated from lungs of pigs. It helps to restore normal breathing, but its use is allowed only in a clinical setting.
The drug "Exosurf" facilitates the process of stretching the lungs. The introduction of surfactant is carried out as a solution through a special tube. If necessary, repeated administration is carried out.
With the occurrence of inflammatory processes of the respiratory system, the drugs “ACC” and “Bromhexine” are used in accordance with the instructions.
What diseases are prescribed
The main purpose of surfactant preparations is determined by their effectiveness in the presence of severe respiratory diseases. These include such diseases and syndromes:
- distress syndrome;
- acute lung damage;
- tuberculosis;
- pneumonia.
Distress syndrome results from the immaturity of the lungs. Violation in the pulmonary circulation system provokes damage to all components, swelling and infection.
Acute lung damage occurs during the pathological process in patients who are in critical condition. It occurs as a result of acute or systemic damage to the lungs, followed by the development of the inflammatory process. Surfactant deficiency leads to pulmonary edema, as well as respiratory failure.
Pneumonia is accompanied by tissue damage, pulmonary edema, which leads to subsidence of the alveoli. Surfactant preparations help to normalize gas exchange, contributing to the expansion of the alveoli.
Pulmonary tuberculosis provokes very serious disorders in the lung system, as well as extensive changes in certain areas. The use of surfactant preparations during the complex treatment of tuberculosis can significantly reduce the frequency of changes in the lung tissue, which helps to reduce the inflammatory process.
Contraindications and Cautions
Such drugs are well tolerated. However, the introduction of surfactant should be carried out by doctors with appropriate training. In some cases, clogging of the tracheal tube with mucus is possible. Rapid drug administration can cause bronchial obstruction or reflux. In some cases, bleeding may occur, which is mainly observed with immaturity of the lungs in newborns.
There are practically no contraindications, however, it is worth remembering that sensitivity to individual components of the drug may occur.
The drug "Surfactant-BL"
The drug "Surfactant-BL" is intended for the treatment of dangerous conditions in newborns. The drug is administered by inhalation use. Phospholipids of the drug involve the alveoli in the respiratory process, which increases oxygen saturation of the blood and helps sputum discharge.
The drug enhances immunity, as well as reducing the risk of pneumonia, which can be very dangerous, especially in the first days of a child’s life. Inhalation of the drug helps to reduce the severity of distress syndrome, normalizing gas exchange in the lungs. Literally after 2 hours, the level of oxygen in the blood increases markedly.
With the inhalation of the drug, the active substance has absolutely no tangible effect on the functioning of the internal organs.