 Since the lungs of infants suffering from a Bochdalek hernia have fewer alveoli than normal lungs, Bochdalek hernias are life-threatening conditions due to respiratory distress.Also, if the invasion of the intestine or stomach punctures the lung, then the lungs cannot fill completely with air.The baby will not be healthy or stable with this condition because he or she cannot take in enough air and oxygen to keep the body operating properly.