Infant lung diseases may cause a number of respiratory problems in newborns and infants, which may cause additional problems during childhood or adulthood. Infants born prematurely are particularly susceptible to developing lung disease. Depending upon the type of lung disease, long-term medical care may be required.
Chronic Lung Disease
Chronic lung disease (CLD)--also referred to as bronchopulmonary dysplasia--is a condition that affects premature infants and causes long-term respiratory problems. Lung injury due to prematurity or use of a mechanical ventilator may cause CLD to develop in infants, according to Children's Hospital Boston. Certain infants may require extra oxygen for breathing after birth, which may also cause lung damage leading to CLD. Symptoms of CLD in infants include flaring of the nostrils, chest retractions and rapid breathing. Premature infants with CLD may also require the use of additional oxygen or mechanical ventilation, even after the infant has reached 36 weeks' gestation. Treatment of CLD may include the use of medications, such as steroids or bronchodilators, to help reduce lung inflammation and open up the airway to make breathing easier. Additional CLD treatment may involve mechanical ventilation or extra oxygen use to ease the breathing process in these infants. Adequate nutrition may help encourage lung growth within the infant, which can help resolve symptoms associated with CLD. Infants with CLD may also get an immunization against influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to prevent further infection of the delicate lung tissue.
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a chronic, progressive disease characterized by abnormal mucosal glands. This inherited condition doesn't have a cure and is typically fatal; the majority of infants with CF live into their 30s. Infants with CF develop thick and sticky mucus within the respiratory system that the lungs are unable to clear normally. This can cause airways to become blocked, which leads to severe breathing difficulties. Infants and children with CF are more susceptible to lung infections because the lungs are not able to clear bacteria. Additional lung infections, such as the bacterial infection pseudomonas aeruginosa, commonly occur in infants and children with CF. Symptoms of CF include coughing up blood, chronic cough and collapsed lung. Treatment therapies for CF include clearance of mucus from the lungs and medication use. Recommended medications may include mucus-thinners, antibiotics to kill bacteria, anti-inflammatories to control lung inflammation or bronchodilators to help open the airways and ease breathing.
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic disease that results in severe inflammation of the lining of the lungs and airways and affects infants, children, adolescents and adults. This condition is caused by a severe allergic reaction to allergens that get into the airway. Infants with asthma may develop a number of early warning signs--including changes in breathing, persistent cough, throat irritation, difficulty sleeping or fatigue. Symptoms of asthma include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or tightness within the chest. If your infant exhibits any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately because this condition can be life threatening. Treatment of asthma may include medication to help control or relieve symptoms. Your infant may require frequent check-ups with a pediatrician to ensure asthma symptoms are under control. You may also need to follow an asthma management plan provided by your doctor, which may involve monitoring your infant's breathing patterns with a device called a peak flow meter.
