Another Idea Regarding SIDS
Edward B. Shaw M.D.
The large number of pediatricians and investigators who have a great interest in the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) should read the recent paper by Kadlub and Kadlub. They propose a theory that adds a new concept to the many theories which have been proposed, many of which have been already discarded. They state "this is a disease which does not make sense" and "the very first symptom of this condition is death." True.
They believe that the infant who swallows large amounts of air along with his food, who has not been allowed to belch, and who lies flat in his crib, perhaps right after feeding, may expel an enormous amount of air in his sleep from the position in which he sleeps and with which his epiglottis, nasopharynx, and nasal passage are inadequate to deal.
