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"Oxygen appears to inhibit lung development, and what you develop is a lung that remains relatively simplified," says Lung Biologist Dr. Michael O'Reilly.
That simplification factors into kids' lives beyond the neonatal intensive care unit.
"Their lung function is a little bit reduced, meaning they tire more easily if you exercise them. And they also appear to be more susceptible to asthma, more susceptible to infections," says O'Reilly.
Dr. O'Reilly's research also finds that supplemental oxygen may push a preemie's immune system into overdrive.
"It's an exaggerated response to the flu. So, although they're not sick to start with, if they get the flu, they have an exaggerated response. They get sicker," says O'Reilly.
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