Chronic Lung Disease

Also known as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), chronic lung disease is a medical condition of infants. The good news about this condition is, most children outgrow this problem, and have fewer long-term health problems. However, in some children, this condition can progress to a serious medical disorder that requires intensive medical care. Chronic lung disease does not occur at birth. It is a condition that is a result of, as mentioned, prematurity and some kind of respiratory problems that may occur post birth. This condition is characterized by damaged tissues in the lungs of the infant, that cause problems with breathing thus, affecting the health to a greater degree. This disorder is mostly diagnosed in premature babies. This is because, such babies are born with lungs that have not fully developed. In the United States, about 5000 -10000 cases of this lung disease in children come up every year. The condition does not occur in adults, and even if it does, then it is a complete rarity.

How Infants Contract BPD

Chronic lung disease is fairly common in most cases of premature babies. Experts have noticed something common in most babies who develop this condition. Being born before 6 months and 2 weeks of gestational age, and being 2.2 lb in weight, increases the chances to be affected by this condition. At such a stage, it is most likely that the infant's lungs have not developed fully. This leaves the baby severely vulnerable to infections, inflammation, and fluid accumulation.

Also, these babies require the help of mechanical ventilators to help them breathe, as their underdeveloped lungs are not able to do so. Although, this treatment is necessary, overtime, its use tends to cause an injury to the extremely delicate lung tissues of that infant.

Other causes include:

• A medical condition known as patent ductus arteriosus (a condition wherein, the ductus arteriosus fails to close at birth)
• Fluid buildup in lungs
• Pneumonia, and other lung chronic lung infections
• Malnutrition (particularly vitamin A deficiency)

Symptoms

Symptoms are prominent and may begin as early as just 3 days post birth. The common ones include:

• Panting for breath, or grunting
• Wheezing
• Feeding makes the baby tired
• Flaring the nostrils
• The skin may take on a blue color, or may appear dusky. This may be more prominent around the lips or nail beds
• Pallor
• Increased coughing
• Belly sinking in while breathing. Parents may also notice that the skin of their baby is getting pulled in between the ribs with each breath.

Complications

The possible complications that may be caused by this disorder include infections of the respiratory tract, bloodstream infection, high blood pressure in the lungs, and respiratory distress.

Treatment Plan

The severity of the condition decides the course of the treatment. Although, treating the disease does not cure it with immediate effect, it does help the ailing infant to breathe easily. The treatment basically, aims at fulfilling the breathing needs, so that the infant can grow and thrive. While the treatment aids the baby to breathe well, his lungs get more time to develop and heal on their own. Usually, the treatment is initiated at the hospital, and then may be continued at home, with the help of a doctor.

As aforementioned, most babies are able to outgrow most of the problems associated with chronic lung disease. While they are recovering from the disease, parents have to ensure that they are getting all the required nutrients for their healthy growth and development, and for reducing the risk of complications.