Chronic Lung Disease

People have been asking us what Henry has or how is he and I don't really know how to explain because he will be ok but it's going to take a long time and we have a lot to deal with before he's "ok". He has Chronic Lung Disease, not sure why the "chronic" part is there since he will eventually get better.

I have no idea how to explain it but this site literally explains what he has gone through, going through and what's to come. Hope this helps!! :-)
http://www.lpch.org/DiseaseHealthInfo/HealthLibrary/respire/cld.html


Chronic Lung Disease (Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia)

What is chronic lung disease?
Chronic lung disease (CLD) is a general term for long-term respiratory problems in premature babies. It is also known as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).


What causes chronic lung disease?
CLD results from lung injury to newborns who must use a mechanical ventilator and extra oxygen for breathing. The lungs of premature babies are fragile and are easily damaged. With injury, the tissues inside the lungs become inflamed and can break down causing scarring. This scarring can result in difficulty breathing and increased oxygen needs. Some of the causes of lung injury include the following:
prematurity - the lungs, especially the air sacs, are not fully developed

low amounts of surfactant (a substance in the lungs that helps keep the tiny air sacs open)

oxygen use (high concentrations of oxygen can damage the cells of the lungs)

mechanical ventilation - the pressure of air from breathing machines, suctioning of the airways, use of an endotracheal tube (ET tube - a tube placed in the trachea and connected to a breathing machine)


Who is affected by chronic lung disease?
Chronic lung disease can develop in premature babies who have had mechanical ventilation (breathing machine). Risk factors for developing CLD include:
birth at less than 34 weeks gestation

birthweight less than 2,000 grams (4 pounds 6 1/2 ounces)

hyaline membrane disease - lung disease of prematurity due to lack of surfactant that does not show the usual improvement by the third or fourth day.

pulmonary interstitial emphysema (PIE) - a problem in which air leaks out of the airways into the spaces between the small air sacs of the lungs.

patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) - a connection between the blood vessels of the heart and lungs that does not close as it should after birth.

Caucasian, male babies

maternal womb infection (chorioamnionitis)

a family history of asthma


What are the symptoms of chronic lung disease?
The following are the most common symptoms of CLD. However, each baby may experience different symptoms of the condition. Symptoms may include:
respiratory distress (rapid breathing, flaring of the nostrils, chest retractions)

continued need for mechanical ventilation or oxygen after a premature baby reaches 36 weeks gestation
Symptoms of CLD may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your baby's physician for a diagnosis.


How is chronic lung disease diagnosed?
Because CLD is a chronic disease and appears gradually, physicians must look at several factors. It is often diagnosed when a premature baby with respiratory problems continues to need additional oxygen after reaching 36 weeks gestational age. Chest x-rays compared with previous x-rays may show changes in the appearance of the lungs. The x-ray of lungs with CLD often have a bubbly, sponge-like appearance. X-rays are diagnostic tests which use invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.

Treatment of chronic lung disease:
Specific treatment for CLD will be determined by your baby's physician based on:
your baby's gestational age, overall health, and medical history
extent of the disease
your baby's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the disease
your opinion or preference
Treatment of CLD may include:
extra oxygen (to make up for the decreased breathing ability of the damaged lungs)

mechanical ventilation with gradual weaning as the baby's lungs grow and can do more of the work of breathing

medications such as:

bronchodilators (to help open the airways)
steroids (to help reduce inflammation)

limiting fluids and giving a diuretic medication to help reduce excess fluid which can worsen breathing ability

nutrition (to help the baby and the lungs grow)

immunization against lung infection by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza
CLD can be a long-term condition. Some babies with CLD require mechanical ventilators for several months. Some babies will continue to require oxygen when they go home from the hospital, but most can be weaned from oxygen by the end of their first year. Babies with CLD may be at increased risk for respiratory infection and may have to be re-hospitalized.