What Is Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia?
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a serious lung condition that affects infants. It mostly affects premature infants who need oxygen therapy (oxygen given through nasal prongs, a mask, or a breathing tube). Infants who develop BPD usually: • Are born more than 10 weeks before their due dates • Weigh less than 2 pounds, or about 1,000 grams, at birth • Have breathing problems at birth • Have an infection during or shortly after birth Some of these infants also may need long-term breathing support from nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) machines or ventilators.
