Which of the following is NOT a reason infants with chronic lung disease have high calorie needs?

• A. Decreased work of breathing
• B. Gastroesophageal reflux
• C. Emesis
• D. Chronic infections

Answer: (A)

In infants with chronic lung disease, calorie needs rise mainly because the body spends more energy just to breathe and fight illness. The work of breathing is a major driver of increased energy expenditure, and frequent infections or ongoing inflammation add to the metabolic rate. Feeding difficulties like reflux and emesis can also raise caloric needs indirectly—either by causing energy losses through vomiting or by making intake less efficient, requiring more calories to achieve growth. Decreased work of breathing, on the other hand, would lower the energy required for respiration, so it would not contribute to higher calorie needs. That’s why the statement describing decreased work of breathing is not a reason for higher caloric needs.