Can a premature birth cause immune problems?

Intrauterine inflammation is a major contributor to preterm birth, and causes premature immune activation and cytokine production. This can induce immune ... Respiratory support can cause chronic inflammatory lung disease associated with increased risk of long-term morbidity. read more

A premature birth is a birth that takes place more than three weeks before the baby's estimated due date. In other words, a premature birth is one that occurs before the start of the 37th week of pregnancy. Premature babies, especially those born very early, often have complicated medical problems. Typically, complications of prematurity vary. read more

Premature birth can cause a baby to have lung and breathing problems, including: Asthma, a health condition that affects the airways and can cause breathing problems Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (also called BPD). read more

So a baby born too early can take on some breathing issues as they get older. The March of Dimes noted that asthma and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) are all possible conditions that can be caused by a premature birth. The latter, BPD, is a chronic lung disease that causes the lungs to grow abnormally or to be inflamed. read more