Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a breathing disorder in premature infants where the infants' lungs become irritated and do not develop normally. It occurs most often in low-weight infants born more than two months early.
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is also known as:
This breathing disorder is common in babies, born too early, whose lungs have not fully grown. As many as 10,000 babies each year in the United States could develop BPD. BPD is often seen in infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia can be mild, moderate or severe. While breathing difficulties improve, babies with BPD are often in the hospital and need a lot of care. Many children struggle with illnesses, especially during the first two years of life. BPD may also cause asthma-like symptoms like cough and wheezing throughout childhood.
Signs and symptoms of bronchopulmonary dysplasia include:
BPD develops because babies born too early have lungs that are not fully developed and are at risk of damage and swelling. Premature babies often need oxygen and/or other types of breathing support, such as ventilators, which can cause damage such as scarring. Some babies may get infections such as pneumonia, which can worsen swelling as well. The blood vessels in the lungs may also be underdeveloped, which can cause issues with the heart. All of these things can lead to BPD.
Those at greatest risk for developing BPD are infants who:
Related disorders or conditions include:
Most infants with BPD are already in the hospital when they are diagnosed. To diagnose BPD, your child’s care team will consider:
They may also use the following tests:
Treatment for BPD can include:
Your care team will use treatments to limit damage to your baby’s lungs. The goal with treatment is to allow your child’s lungs to heal and grow. Your child’s care team will adjust treatments over time as needed.
Infants with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia usually get better over time. Most babies with BPD spend several weeks to several months in the hospital’s Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Babies with this disorder heal and grow at different rates.
After leaving the hospital, your child will need to see many specialists to support their lungs, growth, development and possibly their heart. These check-ups will be very frequent to start and then space out as your child grows and matures.
Some babies go home without needing any more treatment. Others may need medicine, extra oxygen or a breathing machine, or a special diet at home.
Children who had BPD as infants have a higher risk for certain types of breathing problems. This includes asthma, sleep apnea and respiratory infections.
Children and adults who had BPD as infants may experience any of the following as they grow:
At Cincinnati Children’s BPD Center, we provide expert, compassionate care for babies born prematurely with chronic lung disease. Our multidisciplinary team uses advanced imaging, breakthrough therapies, and a multidisciplinary approach to improve outcomes, reduce complications, and support children from infancy through adolescence.
Last Updated 09/2025
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