Sometimes called chronic lung disease (CLD), bronchopulmonary dysplasia is a disease in infants characterized by inflammation and scarring in the lungs. It develops most often following respiratory distress syndrome, but may also result from oxygen toxicity, mechanical lung trauma, infection or pneumonia. Symptoms of this disorder include:

• Bluish skin coloration (cyanosis)
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid breathing

The condition is seen most often in premature babies, as well as older babies who suffered respiratory problems shortly after delivery. Tests that will help reveal this disorder include chest x-ray, pulse oximetry (measures oxygen concentration in blood), CAT scan of the chest and arterial blood gas analysis (measures oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood).

Treatment usually includes additional ventilator support to deliver pressure to the lungs to keep lung tissue inflated, and to deliver supplemental oxygen. After the patient is weaned from the ventilator, oxygen may continue by a mask or nasal cannula for several weeks to months.

The patient may require antibiotics, bronchodilators, diuretics and anti-inflammatory medications. Fluid restriction and intravenous feeding may also be necessary. In addition, physical therapy can be used to clear the lungs of mucus and boost muscle performance.