What is bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in newborns?
Jun 05, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ma Yan
Introduction
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in newborns may be caused by prematurity, low birth weight, oxygen therapy, and other factors. It can be managed through general treatment, nutritional support, and other approaches. Premature infants often have immature lungs and respiratory systems at birth, making them prone to respiratory dysfunction and lung damage, which can lead to the development of BPD. Oxygen therapy can be used to improve their condition.
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in newborns may be caused by premature birth, low birth weight, oxygen therapy, and other factors. It can be treated through general supportive care, nutritional support, and other methods. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Premature birth
Premature infants often have immature lungs and respiratory systems at birth, making them prone to respiratory dysfunction and lung damage, which can lead to the development of BPD. Patients can improve through oxygen therapy.
2. Low birth weight
Infants with very low birth weight are also susceptible to respiratory problems and lung injury. Due to underdeveloped lungs in low-birth-weight infants, alveoli cannot expand adequately, resulting in breathing difficulties and insufficient oxygen supply, leading to lung damage. In such cases, mechanical ventilation may be required, although it does not always lead to improvement.
3. Oxygen therapy
Oxygen therapy is often necessary in treating premature and low-birth-weight infants to ensure adequate oxygen supply. However, excessive use of oxygen or excessively high oxygen concentrations can cause alveolar oxidative injury and lung damage, thereby triggering BPD. At this stage, proper nutritional care for the newborn is essential. Infants should also receive appropriate hydration to promote metabolism and help alleviate symptoms.
In addition to the above causes, improper use of mechanical ventilation may also contribute to BPD. If a child develops breathing difficulties or other symptoms, prompt medical evaluation at a hospital is recommended. Relevant diagnostic tests should be completed, and treatment should be conducted under the guidance of a qualified physician.
