P27.1: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia originating in the perinatal period

The lungs are on the left and right side of the ribcage. They are also connected to the nose and mouth via the bronchial tubes and windpipe (trachea). You need lungs to breath. When we breathe in, oxygen enters the lungs and accumulates in the blood. This blood then flows to the heart. The heart then pumps the oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. All of the organs are supplied with oxygen as a result.

This lung disorder relates to premature babies. A premature baby is one that is born before the end of the 37th week of pregnancy. The lungs of premature babies are not fully mature at birth. As a result, the lungs are more prone to damage. Such damage can be cause by inflammations or artificial respiration, for example. Fluid can then collect in the lungs. Tissue in the lungs may also be harder than usual.

If the child’s lungs are damaged, sufficient oxygen no longer gets into the blood via the lungs. Various symptoms may arise as a result. These include a sucking weakness and breathlessness. The breathing may also be faster than usual, or keep stopping for short periods. The skin may also be blueish.