Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) affects babies who have undergone breathing treatments like oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation. These treatments are crucial for many preterm babies, but they can lead to long-term damage of the lungs in some children.
When damage occurs, children must undergo regular monitoring and treatment to ensure proper lung function. On-going care also stops existing lung issues from getting worse over time.
Previous bouts of BPD increase a child’s chance of experiencing respiratory problems like repeated instances of pneumonia and other respiratory infections. BPD is also associated with the following complications:
The long-term effects of BPD range from mild to severe depending on damage to the lung tissues. While some children experience minor lung dysfunction, others may develop more serious complications.
Tracking a child’s respiratory health after BPD serves two vital purposes. First, it assesses the current level of lung damage and dysfunction to determine the best possible treatment. Second, it establishes a baseline that doctors can refer to should lung problems become worse.
As for treatment, children with lingering respiratory effects after BPD may receive inhaled medications, antibiotics, corticosteroids, and other therapies. By following up as needed, parents can ensure that any lung problems are addressed promptly and effectively.