Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Bronchopulmonary (brong-ko-PUL-mo-nar-e) dysplasia (dis-PLA-zhah), or BPD, is a long-term condition that affects the lungs. BPD is also called chronic lung disease (CLD). This usually occurs in a premature baby who had lung problems shortly after birth and received treatment with high oxygen concentrations. A baby is premature if he is born earlier than 37 weeks gestation (time spent in womb). The lungs may have had an injury that causes inflammation (swelling) and damage. These prevent the baby's lungs from working properly leading to serious breathing problems. The less the baby weighs and the more premature he is, the more likely he will have BPD.
  
  
• Signs and symptoms of BPD are cough, irritability, trouble breathing, and poor sucking or feeding. BPD may be diagnosed by having a chest x-ray, computerized tomography (CT) scan, echocardiogram, or blood tests. Treatment will depend on how bad your baby's BPD is. Your baby may need medicine or oxygen treatment to help him breathe easier. Most babies with BPD get better after a few weeks or months. With proper treatment and care, your baby is more likely to outgrow BPD without having further serious problems. Ask your caregiver for more information about these tests and treatment.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a current list of your child's medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list and the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Give vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Give your child's medicine as directed: Call your child's primary healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if your child is allergic to any medicine. Ask before you change or stop giving your child his medicines.

Ask for more information about where and when to take your child for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services for your child, ask for information.

Pulmonary function tests may be done to your baby to find out how his lungs are working. BPD may also cause growth, hearing and learning problems so your baby should be carefully followed by his caregiver.

Breathing:

• Run a cool mist humidifier. This will help increase air moisture in your child's room. Follow the humidifier instructions carefully for running and cleaning it. Direct the mist stream towards your child's face, but keep the humidifier out of your child's reach.
  
  
• Oxygen: Your baby may need extra oxygen to help him breathe easier. It may be given through a plastic mask over his mouth and nose. It may also be given through small tubes placed in his nose instead of a mask. Ask your baby's caregiver about giving extra oxygen at home.
  
  
• Pulse oximeter: Your baby may need to be monitored at home with a pulse oximeter. A pulse oximeter is a machine that tells how much oxygen is in your baby's blood. A cord with a clip or sticky strip is placed on his ear, finger, or toe. The other end of the cord is hooked to a small machine. You may use this machine to see if he needs more oxygen. Ask your caregiver for more information on pulse oximeter.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR):

If your baby appears to have stopped breathing, try to stimulate him by rubbing him with your hand. You may also try rubbing your baby's back or striking the soles of his feet. Never pick up and shake your baby. If your baby still does not cry or move, begin CPR and send someone to call 911 for help. If you are alone, begin the steps of CPR and do them for 1 minute. After 1 minute, call 911 yourself. Remember that CPR on a baby is different from an adult. Ask your caregiver for more information on baby CPR.

Feeding:

• A caregiver, called a dietitian, may talk to you about your baby's feeding and nutrition. A dietitian can help you to increase the amount of calories your baby gets. You may also discuss with him if it is OK to breastfeed your baby or what milk you should feed him. Ask your baby's caregiver about high-calorie liquid feeding.
  
  
• During feeding, hold your baby so his head is higher than his stomach. Feed your baby in a place with enough light which will let you see any skin color changes. Stop from time to time to allow him to take enough breaths between sucks on the bottle or breast. Your baby may become tired easily when feeding, always check for signs of fatigue (tiredness). Stop the feeding if he looks tired.

Prevent breathing problems:

• Do not let anyone smoke around your child. Breathing in cigarette smoke can harm your child's body in many ways. Your child is more likely to get certain types of infections if he breathes in cigarette smoke. Being around cigarette smoke can also affect your child’s lungs and cause breathing problems. Do not let anyone smoke inside your home. If you smoke, you should quit. Quitting smoking will improve your health and the health of those around you. Ask your caregiver for more information about how to stop smoking if you are having trouble quitting.
  
  
• Keep your child away from people who have colds and the flu. Also try to keep your child away from large groups of people while he is recovering from surgery. This decreases your child's chance of getting sick or getting an infection.
  
  
• Wash your hands and your child's hands often. This will help prevent the spread of germs. Encourage everyone in your house to wash their hands with soap and water after going to the bathroom. Also wash hands after changing diapers and before preparing or eating food.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• Your child has a fever.
  
  
• Your baby has chills or a cough.
  
  
• Your baby's skin is swollen or has a rash.
  
  
• You have any questions or concerns about your baby's condition, treatment, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• Your baby has trouble breathing.
  
  
• Your baby is more sleepy, irritable, or more fussy than usual.
  
  
• Your baby is unable to eat or drink anything for 24 hours.
  
  
• Your baby's skin, lips, or fingernails are pale or bluish in color.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (Aftercare Instructions)