Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD): When Your Baby's Lungs Need Longer-Term Support
What Is Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia?
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), sometimes called chronic lung disease (CLD), is a lung condition that can develop in premature babies whose lungs are still growing and developing.
It is most common in babies born very early who have needed oxygen or respiratory support for an extended period.
Why Does BPD Develop?
A premature baby's lungs are delicate and still developing after birth. Several factors can contribute to BPD, including prematurity itself, inflammation or infection, and the need for oxygen and respiratory support.
Oxygen and breathing support can be lifesaving and necessary. The NICU team carefully balances providing the support your baby needs while protecting the developing lungs as much as possible.
What Kind of Support Might a Baby With BPD Need?
Every baby's course is different. Depending on the severity of BPD, support may include:
Supplemental oxygen
Nasal cannula or high-flow nasal cannula
CPAP
Mechanical ventilation in some babies
Medications to help manage breathing or fluid balance
Additional nutritional support to promote growth
Good nutrition is especially important because breathing requires energy and growing new lung tissue requires calories.
Will My Baby's Lungs Get Better?
A baby's lungs continue to grow and develop throughout infancy and childhood. Many babies with BPD gradually need less respiratory support as they grow.
Some babies go home without oxygen, while others may temporarily need oxygen or other respiratory support after discharge.
Your baby's NICU and follow-up teams will develop a plan based on your baby's individual needs.
What Should Parents Know?
The term "chronic lung disease" can sound frightening. In the NICU, it describes an ongoing lung condition and does not by itself predict exactly what your baby's long-term respiratory health will be.
BPD can range from mild to more significant disease, and each baby's course is different.
Related Terms
Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) — link to your new RDS page
