Skip to content My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up  Lung Disease &
Respiratory Health Center  Font Size  Lung Injuries  Treating a
Lung Injury continued...  Oxygen and ventilation: At first, the
doctor may provide oxygen through soft, plastic prongs placed
into the nose or a mask may be put over the mouth and nose. If
this does not raise oxygen levels high enough, a flexible
breathing tube may be needed to supply oxygen. The doctor
inserts it through the mouth or nose and into the windpipe. A
ventilator connected to the breathing tube helps fill the lungs
with air while the lungs recover. Medical staff pays close
attention to providing the right amount of oxygen in the air and
the right amount of air to prevent further lung injury. For
example, small, rather than large, amounts of air have been
found to work better. A supportive breathing technique called
positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) is also helpful.  The
ventilator is used until breathing can resume naturally. If the
ventilator is needed for more than a fe