Congenital Lung Disease

Congenital lung disease is any disease that thwarts the operation of the lungs and is present at a child's birth. Some children grow out of severe symptoms, as is often the case with asthma. Other diseases can be debilitating for most of the child's life or cause other problems such as brain damage.

• Baby

Classifications

• Lung diseases fall into three classifications, according to MedlinePlus.com. Airway lung diseases specifically affect the transportation of oxygen by either narrowing or blocking the air pathways. Oxygen cannot go into and out of the lungs normally. Diseases of the lung tissue destroy the anatomy of the tissue often through scarring or inflammation. Finally, pulmonary circulation diseases inhibit the functioning of the lung's blood vessels. Both lung tissue diseases and pulmonary circulation diseases disturb the absorption of oxygen and the release of carbon dioxide.

Asthma

• MedlinePlus.com says asthma is one of the most common airway diseases among children, and as such, is a top reason for child hospitalizations and absences from school. Often children will be breathing normally, but a trigger such as animal hair or cigarette smoke causes their lungs' airways to narrow, which obstructs their breathing. Symptoms of this are fast and difficult breathing, the tightening of the chest and coughing. Asthma can be controlled with daily medication as well as emergency medicines that are used during an attack.

Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome

• Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is the underdevelopment of the lungs of a newborn, according to MedlinePlus.com. Because underdeveloped lungs don't have surfactant (a primary substance required to keep the lungs inflated), they don't function properly and can cause several ailments. Some potential severe problems are a buildup of air in the wrong parts of the body, bleeding into the brain or lungs, blood clots and mental retardation.

RDS Causes

• Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) has a couple of causes, one being a genetic defect. MedlinePlus.com says the main cause of RDS is premature birth and it is most common in children born at least 12 weeks early. Premature babies aren't in the womb long enough for their lungs to fully develop. Other risks for RDS include a sibling with the disease, a diabetic mother, a Cesarean section or general delivery complications.

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

• Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), according to MedlinePlus.com, is a persistent lung disease that occurs in newborns who were premature or who used breathing machines immediately after birth. Babies with congenital heart disease or lung infections are more likely to develop BPD. Symptoms include bluish skin, a constant cough and shortness of breath. Generally, treatment for BPD includes continual use of a respirator until the baby doesn't need it anymore.