This article offers an over view of lung development, physiology, and evaluation of lung damage due to aspiration. Considerations specific to pediatric patients are discussed.

Infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) often demonstrate feeding difficulties greater than those of age-matched preterm infants. Clinicians must understand the nature of the underlying disease process and the implications to swallow function. The speech-language pathologist plays an integral role in optimizing positive feeding experiences in this patient population.