Sunday, November 15, 2009

Prematurity Awareness Month Fact #15:

Babies who are born prematurely or who experience respiratory problems shortly after birth are at risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), sometimes called chronic lung disease. Although most infants fully recover from BPD and have few long-term health problems as a result, BPD can be a serious condition requiring intensive medical care.

A child is not born with BPD. It is something that develops as a consequence of prematurity and progressive lung inflammation.

As most of you know, if not all of you, Morgan Kate was diagnosed with chronic lung disease or BPD. BPD is typically diagnosed if an infant still requires additional oxygen and continues to show signs of respiratory problems after 28 days of age (or past 36 weeks' postconceptional age). Morgan Kate not only needed oxygen past 36 weeks, but also upon discharge. Today she no longer needs oxygen, but does receive two breathing treatments daily.




No comments: