Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) occurs due to underdeveloped lungs of the newborn baby at the time of birth. It can also happen when an infant receives mechanical ventilation or high levels of supplemental oxygen after birth. To know more about the Bronchopulmonary dysplasia causes, read further.
What Causes Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia?
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia etiology can be understood and remembered with the help of the 7Ps.
- Prematurity: Premature babies, born at least ten weeks earlier than the expected time of delivery and weighing less than a kilogram at birth, are at a greater risk of acquiring BPD.
- Positive pressure ventilation: Use of a mask or ventilator to aid in breathing.
- Prolonged oxygen exposure
- Protracted use of endotracheal tubes (ETT) to deliver uncontaminated oxygen to the lungs. It means that the baby is intubated for an extended period.
- Pulmonary edema: It is a medical condition in which fluid accumulates in the lungs. This can be sue to patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), a congenital heart defect, or overhydration.
- Pulmonary air leak: The baby can have a collapsed lung, a condition in which air collects outside the lungs. Few babies on ventilators can develop pulmonary interstitial emphysema (PIE), in which air is trapped outside the air sacs.
- Pro-inflammatory cascade: It can happen due to sepsis or multiple surgeries. Chorioamnionitis, a bacterial infection in the placenta, can also cause BPD.
Conclusion
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia causes can be dealt with if the baby receives timely treatment and adequate medication. In such cases, a health insurance policy comes in handy. It ensures hospitalisation expenses during an emergency.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.