Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a condition that mainly affects premature infants who have very low birth-weight (under 2.2 pounds).
Because the baby’s lung tissue is underdeveloped, respiratory distress can result, and treatment methods may involve a mechanical respirator.
This can damage the immature lungs, and BPD may result.
The longer the baby is on mechanical ventilation, the more prone he or she is to the condition. It was formerly known as chronic lung disease in infants, but the name was changed to better reflect the condition.
Infants who have had poor nutrition in utero, or have a family history of asthma are more at risk.
In this thoughtful YouTube video, this disease is explained in layman’s terms:
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