Final answer:
Premature babies frequently require a respirator due to immature lung tissue and the lack of surfactant production, which causes difficulty in inflating the lungs and efficient gas exchange.
Step-by-step explanation:
Premature babies often require a respirator because their lungs are not fully developed, which mainly stems from the lack of surfactant production. The immature lung tissue and underdeveloped respiratory muscles also play a role, as they contribute to the baby's difficulty in inflating the lungs and performing efficient gas exchange. Medical advancements have improved the treatment for Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS), including the administration of pulmonary surfactant, which has reduced RDS-related deaths by 50 percent. Along with mechanical ventilation, other therapies such as CPAP, corticosteroids, supplemental oxygen, and supportive therapies are used to assist the infant's breathing until the lungs can develop fully.