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Warning-sign checks

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for blue or gray lips or face, pauses in breathing, severe chest pulling, gasping, unresponsiveness, or a major equipment failure when the child cannot breathe safely without the equipment.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact the child's healthcare team promptly for a new cough, wheezing, reduced feeding, fewer wet diapers, unusual tiredness, fever, or a mild increase in breathing effort.

    Follow the child's written illness or oxygen plan when one has been provided.

    Seek urgent medical care if the child is breathing much harder or faster than usual, repeatedly vomiting feeds, becoming difficult to wake, or cannot maintain the oxygen level set by the care team despite following the plan.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up often involves a primary care clinician and a neonatal or pulmonary clinic.

    Some children also see cardiology, nutrition, feeding, developmental, or ear, nose, and throat specialists.

    Routine visits may review:

    • Oxygen use and equipment
    • Breathing during sleep, activity, and feeding
    • Growth and nutritional intake
    • Medicines and possible side effects
    • Feeding and swallowing safety
    • Development, hearing, and vision
    • Vaccinations and infection prevention

The article also says

A clinician may gradually reduce oxygen after reviewing the child's growth, breathing, and measured oxygen levels.

Families should not test longer periods without oxygen unless the care team has provided a plan.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Bronchopulmonary dysplasia. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.