Today we saw a pulmonologist for the first time. Because Grant's heart looks good, our cardiologist suggested we have Grant's lungs looked at more intensely because he's still breathing hard. The pulmonologist diagnosed Grant with pulmonary lymphangiectasia (PL). Here is a brief overview:
Lymphatic fluid in the lung is derived from normal leakage of fluid out of the blood capillaries in the lung and the intestines. In PL, the channels (lymphatics) that carry lymph fluid are not properly connected and become dilated with fluid (lymphangiectasia). (This is why in Grant's chest x-rays they always say that his lungs look wet.) This fluid makes the lungs less elastic, which this causes breathing difficulties.
What does this mean for Grant? He has a greater chance of having respiratory distress. (In other words, if Grant catches a cold he would likely have to be hospitalized because it would be so hard for him to breathe.) According to research, most patients who survive the neonatal and early infancy period continue to have respiratory problems (recurrent cough, wheeze and pneumonia) in the first several years of life with increased rates of hospitalization. A few patients require home supplemental oxygen for a period of time. Overall, respiratory condition and X-ray abnormalities improve during infancy and childhood, with many patients having minimal symptoms by age six.
So, overall, the prognosis is good. PL is something that Grant will likely outgrow. In the meantime we will continue to be the germ police. The doctor switched Grant's inhaled steroid, which makes all the difference in some kids and we're hoping Grant is one of them. We'll go back to see the doctor in a month for more chest x-rays.
Oh, and the doc said that Grant's lung condition has nothing to do with his eating difficulties. If it was due to not getting enough air then he said Grant would not be able to drink his bottle while sleeping, which is still his preferred method of feeding. However, Grant did enjoy three french fries for lunch today (shhhhh- don't tell dad), so maybe he just doesn't like the healthy food we've been trying to give him. :)
4 comments:
happy to hear the mostly good news, guys... we'll keep praying that Grant stays healthy - that might mean you may have to feed him food from McDonald's once in a while!
by the way, i hope this means Uncle Jimmy can still babysit sometimes!
"...so maybe he just doesn't like the healthy food we've been trying to give him. :)"
That is awesome! LOL!
Much love,
Mark
Shannon~Sorry I said try soy milk. I just read in a new health book not to give soy milk to infants. Aaahhh, it's leathal....AAAaaahhh!!!! I have been a mom too long to know I don't know everything. But, I can keep praying in the Holy Spirit for you three. In that I can't go wrong as long as self don't get in the way:-) ~Love'n'Prayers to all~ Ruthie
P.S. So glad to know you know more about little man's condition. It helps the target prayers.
glad to hear that it's something he'll likely grow out of! i won't tell Jim about the french fries.
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