Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is also known as preterm lung disease. It is a condition that babies may be born with or develop soon after birth. BPD means they have inflammation in the lungs and airways that interferes with their breathing.

When they are born premature (before 37 weeks), babies’ lungs and airways may not be functioning as well as they should. However, even full-term babies can develop respiratory problems in the first few days or weeks after birth. The severity varies from one patient to another. According to the American Lung Association, 10,000 to 15,000 babies develop it each year in the U.S.

A baby with BPD needs supplemental oxygen. The severity of BPD is described in terms of how much oxygen therapy they need by the time of their original due date.

Diagnosis of BPD

Babies with BPD are usually diagnosed before leaving the hospital. However, after going home, a parent may notice rapid or labored breathing, wheezing or difficulty feeding. An apnea monitor or pulse oximeter may also alert a parent or caregiver to a pulmonary issue.

The pediatric pulmonology team at Riley at IU Health will conduct tests to diagnose BPD and related conditions. These may include:

Chest x-ray: Doctors may order a chest X-ray to see how the lungs are developing and to rule out certain causes of the baby’s symptoms. The resulting images may show large areas of air in the chest, lung infection or inflammation.

Blood tests: Neonatal blood tests check blood oxygen level and can also look for signs of infection.

Echocardiogram: In an echocardiogram, a technician uses a hand-held sonogram wand on the baby’s chest. The sound waves create a picture of the heart's valves and chambers to show the doctor how the heart is functioning.

Treatments

Your Riley medical team may recommend various treatments, depending on your baby’s specific condition.

Oxygen therapy. A thin plastic tube is positioned at the baby’s nostrils to deliver a set amount of oxygen over time.
Ventilation. A ventilator will move air and oxygen in and out of the baby’s lungs, helping them to breathe.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). A mask fits over the baby’s nose to deliver a constant supply of pressurized air.
Tracheostomy. A surgical incision is made in the windpipe to ease breathing. It is usually temporary.
Nebulized respiratory medicines. These oral steroids are delivered as a fine mist to open the airways and relieve congestion.

Key Points to Remember

BPD is a chronic lung disease in babies.
BPD can occur in preterm, late preterm, and full-term babies with respiratory problems.
The cause of BPD is unclear, but there are known risk factors.
While rare, some babies with BPD do require lifelong monitoring of the lungs.
The team at Riley at IU Health will provide you with guidance to best care for your baby.

Support Services & Resources

Visit the links below to learn more about Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia and find support services.

Riley at IU Health offers a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.

Learn More About Riley Support Services

Pulmonary Hypertension Association

The Pulmonary Hypertension Association provides information related to BPD as well as patient resources and support.

American Lung Association

Discover more information about bronchopulmonary dysplasia, including its causes, symptoms, and treatments and what it is like living with the condition

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

The National Institutes of Health shares in-depth information about BPD.

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