What is Perinatal respiratory diseases and Broncho pulmonary dysplasia (BPD)? in new born baby

Perinatal period is a duration in which there is a large death rate due to respiratory issues. Perinatal period is the time from birth to the 28th^th day of life. Babies with low birth weight, pre mature birth face these common respiratory concerns.

One important long-term consequence of prematurity is BPD, or chronic lung disease of prematurity (CLD).In 36th week of pregnancy there is increase in oxygen dependency. Incidence rate is around 23% for infants born in 28 weeks and 73% for
23 weeks born infants.

Broncho Pulmonary Dysplasia is not at the time of the birth, it occurs after the birth when infants are on oxygen or breathing machine for long time which can damage the lungs cause inflammation, scarring, swelling and irritation. As a result, lungs does not develop properly and lead to frequent infection.

Through mechanical ventilator infants need oxygen so tubes are inserted into the baby's windpipe. Many babies do not need a breathing tube, but still need extra oxygen and pressure. For long duration the pressure from ventilator, extra oxygen intake can injure infant’s lungs.

For long duration the pressure from ventilator, extra oxygen intake can injure infant’s lungs. Premature babies who need oxygen therapy for more than 28 days are considered to have Broncho pulmonary dysplasia. 

Signs and Symptoms for new born baby respiratory diseases

• Nasal flaring
• Intercostal, subcostal and suprasternal retractions
• Weak breathing
• Tachycardia
• Cyanosis
• Hypotension
• Apnoea
• Repeated lung infections
• Wheezing lung sounds

How to manage respiratory diseases in new born baby?

1. Nutrition: infants need to gain weight during their first 2 to 3 years of life
   as lungs will develop.
2. Avoid infection: viruses and others germs can cause infection so avoid
   infant getting sick and infected. Like wash hands before touching the
   infant, avoid ill people around, get immunizations, protect against
   respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
3. Avoid polluted areas, people smoking around, which will damage infant’s
   lungs and reduce lung capacity.
4. Sleep well: infant should sleep well, don’t limit his or her breathing while
   sleeping. Avoid sleeping on stomach which will reduce the risk of sudden
   infant death syndrome.
5. Chest physiotherapy: maintain babies’ lung capacity, improve respiratory
   rate, and expedite recovery. Also help to reduce the secretion and
   increases lung volume.

Cura Advanced Physiotherapy involves a group of supportive, co-operative
motivated, independent and certified Physiotherapists who are able to carry out the treatment. Here treatment is planned according to the patients assessment and focusing on patients well begin. Improving overall patients’ quality of life is the main goal of Physiotherapist at Cura Advanced Physiotherapy.