Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD): Tests

, or BPD, is a serious lung condition that affects infants. BPD mostly affects premature infants who need (oxygen given through nasal prongs, a mask, or a breathing tube).

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About the Diagnosis of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD)

Infants who are born early – usually more than 10 weeks before their due dates – and still need by the time they reach their original due dates are diagnosed with (BPD).

BPD can be mild, moderate, or severe. The diagnosis depends on how much extra a baby needs at the time of his or her original due date. It also depends on how long the baby needs oxygen .

To help confirm a diagnosis of BPD, doctors may recommend tests, such as:

A x ray. A x ray takes pictures of the structures inside the , such as the and . In severe cases of BPD, this test may show large areas of air and signs that the are inflamed or infected. A x ray also can detect problems such as a and show whether the are developing normally. . can show whether an infant has enough in his or…