Infants are usually fed by tubes inserted into the stomach. Extra calories are needed due to the increased need for calories with the effort of breathing. Fluids may be restricted, and the infant may be given diuretics to keep the lungs from filling with fluid. Parents of these infants require emotional support as the resolution of the disease is often very slow, and hospitalization may be prolonged. Some infants may not survive with this condition.
Improvement is generally gradual.
Some infants may require oxygen therapy for many months. This is an illustration of the major features of the lungs and bronchial tree. The inset is of the alveoli. They are the microscopic blood vessel-lined sacks in which oxygen and carbon dioxide gas are exchanged.