Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

• Services
  Nutrition

  • Children with BPD often have delayed growth during the first years of their life and may be smaller than other children their age. This is because infants with BPD need to burn more calories than other children. Catch up growth is mostly accomplished in early infancy so early optimization of diet is very important. Children with BPD are also at risk for certain vitamin and nutrient deficiencies. Our experienced dieticians can help test and treat any of these conditions as they arise to optimize growth and development. 

  Social Work

  • Caring for a child with BPD can be challenging. Many parents feel guilt, anger, anxiety or depression because of their child’s BPD. This is in addition to the complicated schedule and financial stress of having a child with a chronic medical condition. Our social worker will help you take steps to both take care of your child, and yourself, to improve the quality of life for the whole family. We also can help you access services available in the community to assist with caring for a child with BPD. Our ability to offer multiple different services at each appointment can also help streamline a busy schedule. 

  Respiratory Therapy

  • Many children with BPD require home oxygen therapy and oxygen monitoring equipment. As they age, they may need additional respiratory care such as inhaled medications or assistance with airway clearance. Our respiratory therapists can help with the use of this equipment as well as troubleshooting any issues that may arise. They can also perform respiratory function testing as your child ages to help monitor lung growth and function.  

  Pediatric Pulmonology

  • Children with BPD are at increased risk for many pulmonary conditions such as asthma, pulmonary hypertension, sleep apnea, aspiration from swallowing problems, and severe respiratory infections. Our pediatric pulmonary specialists will help manage your child’s long-term respiratory care and monitor for any other emerging complications. This includes management of home oxygen, bronchodilators, steroids, diuretics, and a variety of other therapies.  

  Allergy and Immunology

  • Children with BPD are at increased risk for respiratory infections such as influenza, RSV, and pneumonia. Respiratory infections are the most common cause of difficulty breathing in BPD. If these become particularly troublesome, evaluation of the immune system may become necessary and our board-certified immunologist can assist with evaluation and treatment of any immune problems. Additionally, approximately half of children with BPD will develop asthma which often has an allergic component. We also offer allergy testing and management of various allergic conditions including biologic therapies.
• Questions
  • If you have interest in these services or questions about our program, please call our Program Coordinator Allison Azamtarrahian at (517) 884-8600.