Brochopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD)

BPD is a chronic lung disease which develops in children who are born prematurely with underdeveloped lungs. BPD is characterized by inflammation and scarring of the lungs. BPD is most often seen in children born at 34 weeks gestation or earlier and who weigh less than 4.5 pounds at birth.

Infants who are diagnosed with BPD are most often treated in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) until they are strong enough to breathe on their own, though many children with BDP receive supportive oxygen at home.

Long-term complications from BPD include greater susceptibility to respiratory infections, including pneumonia, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza, and an excess build-up of fluid in the lungs, known as pulmonary edema.