Which of the following is characteristic of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)?

• A. Decreased airway activity
• B. Increased airway resistance
• C. Increased dynamic compliance
• D. Increased lung compliance

Answer: (B)

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia involves injury to the developing lung with inflammation and remodeling that narrows the small airways, increasing resistance to airflow. This higher resistance makes it harder for air to move through the bronchioles, especially during exhalation, leading to greater work of breathing and ventilatory support needs. While the lung tissue often becomes stiffer and less compliant due to fibrosis, the functional hallmark tied to the disease process is increased airway resistance, not easier airflow. The other options don’t fit: decreased airway activity isn’t typical, and increased dynamic or total lung compliance would imply lungs that are easier to inflate, which is opposite of what occurs in BPD.