Neonatal lung disease is treated in our Infant Pulmonary Clinic and Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic. Both clinics include a care team of pulmonologists, nurse practitioners, pulmonary nurses, respiratory therapists, speech therapists and a registered dietitian, all working together to develop a unique treatment plan for each patient.

Neonatal lung disease refers to neonates and infants who develop respiratory issues immediately following delivery. These disorders are commonly seen in premature babies due to immature lung development, but can be seen in full-term infants for various other reasons such as infection, heart conditions or inability to swallow effectively. Some of these conditions resolve over time, while others need long-term management during their life. Children with neonatal lung disease have poorly developed lungs, which puts them at a higher risk for respiratory infections and chronic oxygen need. Because they are premature, these patients also often have neurodevelopmental disadvantages which predispose them to dysphagia and aspiration. Patients with neonatal lung disease may benefit from inhaled steroids and diuresis to keep the lungs dry.

Conditions treated in clinic include: 

• Apnea/bradycardia monitoring 
• Apnea of prematurity 
• Bronchopulmonary dysplasia 
• Chronic lung disease 
• Dysphagia 
• Failure to thrive 
• Infant prematurity 
• Oxygen dependency 
• Pulmonary hypertension 

Signs and symptoms of neonatal lung disease:

• Difficulty swallowing 
• Rapid breathing
• Respiratory infections
• Wheezing