Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is primarily caused by what factor?

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is primarily caused by what factor?

• A. Prolonged exposure to oxygen
• B. Trauma from intubation
• C. Mechanical ventilation
• D. Congenital heart defects

Answer: (B)

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is primarily associated with the lung injury caused by mechanical ventilation, particularly in premature infants. When infants require respiratory support, the use of mechanical ventilation can lead to overdistension of the lungs and barotrauma, which are significant contributors to lung injury. This injury can also exacerbate the inflammatory response in the lungs, leading to the development of BPD. Mechanical ventilation is a critical factor because it is often necessary for infants who are born prematurely and have underdeveloped lungs. While other factors, such as oxygen toxicity and trauma from intubation, play roles in the overall picture of respiratory complications, it is particularly the mechanical ventilation aspect that has been identified most consistently as a primary contributor to the pathophysiology of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially those in occupational therapy working with pediatric patients, as they may encounter infants affected by BPD and need to be aware of its underlying causes to provide appropriate care and interventions.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is primarily associated with the lung injury caused by mechanical ventilation, particularly in premature infants. When infants require respiratory support, the use of mechanical ventilation can lead to overdistension of the lungs and barotrauma, which are significant contributors to lung injury. This injury can also exacerbate the inflammatory response in the lungs, leading to the development of BPD.

Mechanical ventilation is a critical factor because it is often necessary for infants who are born prematurely and have underdeveloped lungs. While other factors, such as oxygen toxicity and trauma from intubation, play roles in the overall picture of respiratory complications, it is particularly the mechanical ventilation aspect that has been identified most consistently as a primary contributor to the pathophysiology of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Understanding this mechanism is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially those in occupational therapy working with pediatric patients, as they may encounter infants affected by BPD and need to be aware of its underlying causes to provide appropriate care and interventions.