Introduction
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is a chronic lung condition that affects children, especially newborns. Premature babies born before ten weeks of the delivery date are more prone to this lung condition. Preterm birth newborns with weights less than two pounds are also affected by bronchopulmonary dysplasia due to incomplete lung development. This is not a congenital condition, as it occurs after birth.
What Are the Causes of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia?
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Lung Disorder- Premature babies, born with previously existing lung diseases like respiratory distress syndrome or undeveloped lungs are affected by bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
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Steroids- Premature babies born without receiving steroids are at increased risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
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Oxygen Insufficiency- The newborns with oxygen deprivation during birth require ventilatory support for breathing.
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Family History- The genetic inheritance of abnormality in the lungs causes bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
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Nutritional Deficiency- Premature newborns have nutritional deficiencies and immunity disorders. They are likely to acquire respiratory illnesses or microbial infections faster.
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Pregnancy- The conditions that affect newborns during pregnancy include preeclampsia (increased blood pressure) and infections.
What Are the Symptoms of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Newborns?
Every newborn is different and has its own symptoms. The symptoms vary depending upon the severity of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and the time of premature birth. The few symptoms are as follows;
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Respiratory Illness - The babies born with respiratory ailments lead to bronchopulmonary dysplasia at the 36th week. The newborn has breathing problems with the flaring of the nostrils.
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Cardiac Problems - The newborns have irregular heartbeats, and it can eventually lead to heart failure. The newborn pulls the chest during each respiratory cycle.
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Feeding - It is difficult to feed newborns as they throw tantrums due to breathing problems. The newborn has rapid and shallow breathing.
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Growth - There is a developmental delay in the organs and the parts of the body. The height and weight are underdeveloped in premature babies compared to normal babies.
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Sensory Problems - The babies have problems with their vision and hearing. Grunting sounds are heard during breathing due to lung defects.
What Are the Stages of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Newborns?
Based on the progress of the disease in bronchopulmonary dysplasia, it is classified into four stages. They are as follows;
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Stage 1 - The initial stage is also known as respiratory distress syndrome. The newborn is unable to get enough oxygen during breathing. This breathing difficulty eventually leads to bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
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Stage 2 - The frequent inhalation of oxygen from the ventilators causes damage to the alveoli (tiny air sacs). It also damages the lungs and results in swelling in the lung tissue.
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Stages 3 and 4 - These stages have severe symptoms in the long term. The newborns have inflammation in the blood vessels of the lungs (pulmonary vessels). The oxygen-carrying capacity is reduced in newborns due to the rupture of blood vessels. It eventually increases blood pressure and causes pulmonary hypertension.
How Is Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Diagnosed in Newborns?
The pediatricians decide on the diagnostic test based on the problem associated with lung development. The diagnostic tests are as follows;
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Chest X-Rays - The X-rays are taken for babies with bronchopulmonary dysplasia to observe the condition of the lungs, airways, ribs, and chest.
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Pulse Oximeter - The oxygen level in the blood is measured in newborns using the pulse oximetry test. It is useful to assess lung function in newborns.
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Arterial Blood Gas Test - The pH level, oxygen, and carbon dioxide level in the bloodstream is measured with the help of an arterial blood gas test. Any alterations in the blood acidity level reveal an abnormality in the lungs of the newborn.
What Are the Various Treatment Methods for Newborns With Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia?
If premature delivery is necessary, then treat the pregnant woman with steroids to avoid the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Though bronchopulmonary dysplasia cannot be cured completely, the symptoms can be managed with the help of the following measures;
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Healthy Intake - Premature babies require nutrition and 140 to 150 calories per day. It boosts immunity and improves lung conditions. So the formulated breast milk must be provided for underweight babies to prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
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Avoid Fluids - Try to restrict the fluid intake for the infants because it reduces the swelling in the lung tissue. Excess fluid around the lungs of newborns results in lung collapse. So avoid excess fluids.
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Ventilatory Support - The baby is unable to breathe due to abnormalities in the lungs. The oxygen is provided by the ventilators in the hospitals. After discharge, the baby might require ventilator support in the home as well. The medical provider uses a less invasive technique to deliver oxygen to avoid injury in the newborn's airways.
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Medications - The bronchodilators are used to open the air passages and facilitate breathing in newborns. An artificial surfactant is used to prevent lung collapse in infants. It prevents the rupture of the small air sacs (alveoli). Diuretics are prescribed by medical professionals to reduce fluid accumulation around the lungs. Untreated bronchopulmonary dysplasia in newborns is life-threatening.
How to Prevent Lung Disorders in Newborns?
Pregnant women should take good prenatal care for the welfare of the baby.
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A healthy pregnancy can avoid premature birth and lowers the risk of respiratory illnesses.
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A pregnant mother should get a healthy diet and avoid smoking or alcohol or cocaine until delivery.
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Pregnant women with lung issues or any other medical conditions must take prior treatments as it influences bronchopulmonary dysplasia in newborns.
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Apart from bronchopulmonary dysplasia, the underlying lung diseases must be identified in newborns and treated earlier to avoid future complications.
Conclusion:
In most cases, the newborns are admitted and treated in the hospital until recovery to avoid breathing problems. The prevalence rate of bronchopulmonary dysplasia has been reduced in recent days due to awareness. The appropriate treatment at the initial stages can increase the survival rate of premature babies. The developmental delays and the symptoms must be observed periodically by the parents and pediatrician.
