children s health issues
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD)
Introduction
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is a chronic lung disorder in newborns caused by extended use of a Mechanical Ventilation (a machine that helps air get in and out of the lungs), extended need for supplemental oxygen, or both. This disorder most often occurs in infants who were born very premature, have severe lung disease, needed a ventilator or oxygen for extended periods, or have inadequately developed air sacs in their lungs. Breathing may be rapid, labored, or both and the skin and/or lips may be bluish, pale, or gray, all of which are signs of continued need for oxygen therapy or ventilator support. The diagnosis is based on how the infant is breathing and on how long the infant needed supplemental oxygen, a ventilator, or both. Treatment includes giving supplemental oxygen, using a ventilator if necessary, providing good nutrition, and giving medications if necessary. Most infants with this disorder survive. Once discharged from the hospital, affected infants should not be exposed to cigarette smoke or fumes from a space heater or wood-burning stove. Nirsevimab(orpalivizumabifnirsevimabis not available) is given to appropriate children to protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common respiratory infection. (See also Overview of General Problems in Newborns .) Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disorder that occurs most often in infants who were born very Preterm (Premature) Newborns (delivered before 32 weeks of Less commonly, BPD also can occur as a complication resulting from Obstructive sleep apnea (CPAP—a technique that allows newborns to breathe on their own while receiving slightly pressurized air or oxygen through prongs placed in the nostrils). The delicate tissues of the lungs can be injured when the air sacs are over-stretched by the ventilator or by the pressure delivered through CPAP, or when they are exposed to high oxygen levels for some time. As a result, the lungs become inflamed, and additional fluid accumulates within the lungs. Affected infants may not develop the normal number of air sacs. BPD also may occur in some infants who were very premature but who did not have a lung disorder that required treatment with a ventilator. Full-term newborns who have lung disorders occasionally develop BPD. 