Health encyclopaedia

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Causes of Sudden infant death syndrome

No definitive cause of SIDS has yet been found.  However, some studies have found an association between SIDS and certain risk factors.

Unexpected death happens more often in boy than in girl babies and is more common in winter than in summer. Premature babies are at greater risk, as are those whose previous siblings have died from SIDS. 

Researchers at Leicester Royal Infirmary recently identified early warning signals that were more common in babies who died from cot death. They found that these infants were more likely to have been irritable, cold, pale and sweaty.

• SARSScabiesScarlet feverScarsSchizophreniaSciaticaScoliosisScurvySeasonal affective disorderSecond opinionSelf-injurySeptic shockSexual health clinicsSexually transmitted infectionsShinglesShort-sightednessSick building syndromeSickle-cell anaemiaSinusitisSjogren's syndromeSlapped cheek syndromeSleep apnoeaSlipped discSmear testSmoking (quitting)SnoringSore throatSpina bifidaSpinal muscular atrophySports injuriesSprainsSquintStaphylococcal infectionsSterilisationStillbirthStings, insectStings, marine creaturesStreptococcal infectionsStressStretch marksStrokeSubarachnoid haemorrhageSubdural haematomaSudden infant death syndromeSuicideSunburnSupraventricular tachycardiaSyphilis

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