What You Should Know About
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a serious illness that usually affects premature infants, although it develops occasionally in adults who have acute respiratory distress syndrome. BPD may heal over time, or it may become a chronic respiratory problem.
What Happens in BPD?
Because the lungs don't fully develop until just before birth, premature infants commonly have respiratory problems. This is especially true for infants born at less than eight month's gestation. Those whose lungs can't function well enough develop a condition known as respiratory distress syndrome; they may need oxygen for a while after birth, and they may need it delivered by a machine called a mechanical ventilator.
The problem is that increased levels of oxygen, even though life-saving, can cause harmful chemical reactions in the premature infant's underdeveloped lungs. The same is true of mechanical ventilation; the support needed to keep the infant's lungs working may also injure them. When these problems occur, the infant develops BPD.
Doctor usually find BPD by taking a chest X-ray when an infant is recovering from respiratory distress syndrome. Over time, many infants with BPD improve to the point of having normal or near normal lung function.
Treatments and Tips
The primary treatment for BPD is time. In many cases, the infant's lungs heal on their own, but it may take quite a while. While the lungs heal, the infant may need oxygen. Good nutrition is also vital to help the infant develop size and strength. This nutrition may come as food or as intravenous (into a vein) feeding. The infant's general health must be watched carefully during this time, and good nursing care is essential. Although no drug treatments are widely used, some researchers are experimenting with using corticosteroids early in the illness to see if these anti-inflammatory drugs can help minimize the effect of BPD.
One of the most important aspects of treatment for an infant with BPD is love. Parents should visit the hospital daily to hold and cuddle the infant, to sing or read to the infant, and simply to bond with the infant. To thrive, every infant needs to feel human touch and hear the soothing sound of a loving voice. Naturally, this period of bonding also helps you feel attached to and comfortable around your infant.
It's impossible to predict the length of time an infant with BPD will need to be in the hospital. In general, however, the infant may go home when he or she can breathe easily (although sometimes oxygen is still needed at home) and when the infant is gaining weight, eating well, and able to rest with little respiratory distress.
Even after leaving the hospital, an infant with BPD will need close care by a family doctor or pediatrician. The doctor will want to keep close track of the infant's general condition and respiratory ability. Many infants with BPD develop blue lips or fingernails when they cry (a sign of decreased oxygen levels), but they return to their normal pink color when resting. An infant who constantly has blue lips or fingernails needs a doctor's attention. A respiratory infection of any kind - including a cold, runny nose, cough, chest cold, or fever--also warrants a doctor's attention.
The effects of BPD may linger until the infant is 2 years old, perhaps older. However, most infants with BPD have an excellent chance of growing up with normal activity levels, few respiratory problems, and no need for continued medical treatment.
Where to Get More Information
For more information, try these online resources.
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