Chronic Lung Disease

Chronic lung disease (CLD), also known as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), occurs when a newborn's lungs have been injured. Damaged tissue inside the baby's lungs becomes inflamed and can break down, causing scarring. This scarring can make it difficult for a newborn to breath, so that they require oxygen therapy.

CLD was first described in 1967 and in the past, the condition was thought to only affect premature babies with a breathing problem, called respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), who were treated with oxygen through a ventilator. However, with the development of new therapies and improved ventilation techniques, CLD rarely affects larger premature babies, and now is seen mostly in very premature newborns, both of who have and have not received previous treatment for RDS.

Most babies with CLD survive, and many outgrow their lung problems. While they have CLD, it is important for them to receive good nutrition to prevent problems with growth and development and complications of the condition.

Experts at UCSF Children's Hospital care for infants in the William H. Tooley Intensive Care Nursery.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated May 8, 2007