What Is Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD)?

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease that can cause long-term breathing problems in the new-born babies. This diseases negatively impact the development of lung tissue increasing the risk of stunted lung growth and chronic breathing problems.

There is no cure for this disease but babies who receive immediate intensive medical treatment go on to live a healthy life without any complications. Many infants completely recover from the diseases in their early years but a few may suffer breathing problems in their adulthood too.

What makes BPD a serious medical condition is its ability to intensify the risk of developing breathing problems like sleep apnea, asthma and other respiratory conditions. Around 10% of the babies in India develop this chronic lung disease every year.  Let us know more about this serious medical condition from best lungs specialist in Hyderabad Dr Alla Gopala Krishna Gokhale himself.

So it is important to develop awareness about this condition in order to ensure immediate help for the baby.  With the inputs of best lungs specialist in Hyderabad Dr Alla Gopala Krishna Gokhale we have created a simple guide of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia – its symptoms, causes and treatment options available right now. Read on to know them:

What causes Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia?

In majority of cases, BPD develops in a baby when an additional oxygen is supplied using machine such as ventilator. “When a baby is prematurely born, it becomes essential to supply oxygen due to under development of the lungs. And this sometimes can hurt and inflame the air sacs leading to Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia”, says lung specialist in Hyderabad Dr Alla Gopala Krishna Gokhale.

Who are more prone to developing Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia?

Babies born earlier than 2 months are more prone to developing BPD than other babies. Babies born with less weight (<2.2 pounds) and babies born with any respiratory conditions are also more at risk of developing BPD.

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia – Symptoms:

Breathing fast to catch oxygen, pause in breathing for a few seconds, flared nostrils during breathing, grunted breathing, wheezing, bluish colour on skin are some of the symptoms of BPD suffered by babies.

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Treatment in Hyderabad:

There is no right away treatment for BPD. Lung specialist primarily focus on aiding optimal development of lungs with right nutrition. While they do so, babies are placed in neonatal intensive care unit until they can manage the breathing on their own without external help. During this period the doctors may use different types of medications that include:

1. Inhaled steroids – To reduce inflammation and ease lungs.
2. Diuretics – To cut down the fluid build-up in lungs.
3. Bronchodilators: To enhance the breathability by expanding the airways.

In very rare cases of severe BPD, babies may be given an extremely short course of steroids after gauging the potential benefits and risks to the baby. Babies while they undergo treatment for BPD will need right nutrition for withstanding the treatment and this is provided using high-calorie formulae. They are administered directly through G-tube or even IV feedings to ensure right delivery.

Long-term Outlook of BPD Treatment: Babies that underwent any variation of above BPD treatment mentioned above heal differently. While few only spend weeks, others may stay in NICU for two months. Some may completely recover from the BPD, a few may have symptoms for two years and in rare cases, these symptoms may prolong. Babies will need regular consultation from heart and lung expert to ensure right recovery from BPD. If you are in Hyderabad are looking for more information regarding Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Treatment in Hyderabad, then you lung specialist Dr Alla Gopala Krishna Gokhale can help you. You can find him here: 9603040506