bronchopulmonary dysplasia, BPD

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is now more properly termed chronic lung disease. It is a type of lung disease due to the effects of hyaline membrane disease and the effects of life-saving ventilator therapy on the immature lung. It is caused by the damaging effects of high concentrations of oxygen under pressure on the lung tissue. Most newborns with this condition recover by 6-12 months, but some require prolonged hospitalization and may have respiratory symptoms persisting throughout childhood in the form of wheezing and susceptibility to bronchitis and pneumonia. More severe cases are complicated by the other effects of prematurity and severe life-threatening illness in newborns.

Night, Night! Dr. Hull's Common Sense Sleep Solutions© Site Information/Disclaimer