General Information About Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is the inflammation and damage of the underdeveloped lungs of especially premature babies due to life-saving respiratory support (mechanical ventilator pressure and high oxygen), resulting in scar (stiff) tissue formation as it heals.
The disease is not seen in healthy full-term babies. It is a disease of premature babies who are born very early, usually with a birth weight under 1000 grams, and whose lung structures are not yet ready to breathe air.
The baby's inability to be separated from the ventilator, rapid and wheezing breathing when the device is removed, getting tired while feeding, sinking of the ribs during breathing, and bruising around the lips.
As babies grow, they continue to produce new and healthy lung tissue (alveoli). Therefore, the respiratory functions of children with BPD largely improve within the first 2-3 years of life.
It is diagnosed when a baby still needs oxygen support on the 28th day after birth or at the 36th gestational week when they should be discharged, along with characteristic findings on chest X-rays.
During intensive care, medications that relieve edema in the lungs (diuretics) and bronchodilators are used. After discharge, it is vital to protect babies with vaccines, especially against RSV (winter virus) infections, and to raise them in a smoke-free home environment.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
