Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia - Causes - Causes

Newborns who have breathing problems or cannot breathe on their own may need ventilator support. Ventilators are machines that use pressure to blow air into the airways and lungs.

Although ventilator support can help premature newborns survive, the machine's pressure might irritate and harm the babies' lungs. For this reason, doctors only recommend ventilator support when necessary.

Newborns who have breathing problems might need oxygen therapy. This treatment helps the newborns' organs get enough oxygen to work well.

However, high levels of oxygen may inflame the lining of the lungs and injure the airways. Also, high levels of oxygen can slow lung development in premature newborns.

Infections may inflame the lungs. As a result, the airways narrow, which makes it harder for premature newborns to breathe. Lung infections also increase the babies' need for extra oxygen and breathing support.