Managing our first breaths: a reflection on the past several decades of neonatal pulmonary therapy

Lung disease has been a leading cause of significant morbidity and mortality since neonates first drew breath. Over the past few decades, many treatment options have evolved to aid us in our ability to support neonatal breathing. The history of neonatal pulmonary care, both its successes and controversies, can teach us a great deal about the future of this dynamic field. As new developments occur, we constantly modify the therapies we offer to preterm and term infants. Understanding traditional therapeutic options and knowing what may be on the horizon can help caregivers to better match treatment plans with individual infants. This article reviews advances in mechanical ventilation, adjuvant therapies, and respiratory drugs through the past few decades and speculates on future directions in this field.