Understanding Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD)
BPD is a long-term lung disease. It's also called neonatal chronic lung disease (CLD). It causes breathing problems in newborns and babies. BPD commonly affects babies who are born early. This means those born before 32 weeks. It also affects babies with low birth weight. This means a weight of less than 5.5 pounds. Most babies recover from BPD. Some have breathing problems that last a long time.
Babies born early (preterm) can get BPD. That's because they don't have a lot of tiny air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. After birth, the tiny air sacs are not fully developed. They don't work as they should. This may cause a lung problem called respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). These babies are kept in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Your baby may have BPD if they have breathing problems that last past a certain point. Your baby may need oxygen or a machine to help them breathe. Signs and symptoms of BPD include:
Diagnosing BPD
BPD can be mild, moderate, or severe. This is based on the amount of extra oxygen a baby needs when they reach the expected due date. Diagnosis is also based on how long your baby needs oxygen.
Your baby may have tests, such as chest X-rays, blood tests, and an echocardiogram. They can help doctors know for sure if a baby has BPD. Babies in the NICU usually get tested daily.
Treating BPD
If your baby is born early, they may get a medicine called a surfactant. It coats the inside of the lungs. It helps keep your baby's lungs open after birth.
Most babies who get BPD start to get better in months. Your baby will need treatment to make sure your baby is getting enough oxygen. Treatment may include:
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A machine to help your baby breathe.
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Extra oxygen through a special hood, nasal tubes, or a face mask.
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Giving fluids through tubes in your baby's veins for nutrition and growth.
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Incubators to keep your baby warm and help prevent infections.
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Watching your baby's heart rate, breathing, temperature, blood pressure, and blood oxygen level.
Other treatments for BPD can include:
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Adding extra nutrition to breast milk or formula. Babies with BPD often use more energy than other babies.
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Giving your baby less fluid or giving diuretic medicine. This can help reduce the amount of fluid in your baby’s lungs.
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Keeping your baby away from air pollution. This includes cigarette smoke, dust, and other things that can irritate the lungs. Ask your child's doctor what else should be avoided.
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Good hygiene. This can help prevent infections. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer when you can’t wash your hands. Try to stay away from family and friends who are ill.
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RSV monoclonal antibody. This is a shot to help prevent RSV. RSV is a common virus that can harm the lungs of babies with BPD.
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Palivizumab medicine. This is another way to help prevent RSV. The medicine is often given every 30 days during the winter months.
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Vaccines. For a baby older than 6 months, flu, COVID-19, and other vaccines may also be advised or available.
Possible complications of BPD
Babies with BPD often spend weeks or even months in the NICU. After their hospital stay, they may have other problems. These may include:
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High blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension).
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Problems with the eyes and ears.
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Delayed speech.
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Heart problems.
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Problems with development or learning.
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Increased risk of lung infections.
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Feeding problems, such as stomach contents backing up into the throat and esophagus.
Contact your baby's doctor if they have new or worse symptoms.
Lowering your baby's risk
The doctor may take steps to help prevent a baby from getting RDS, which can lead to BPD. They may include: