Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) occurs most often in infants who are born too early. RDS can cause breathing difficulty in newborns. If it is not properly treated, RDS can result in complications. This may include pneumonia, respiratory failure, chronic lung problems, and possibly asthma. In severe cases, RDS can lead to convulsions and death.
RDS occurs when infant's lungs have not developed enough. Immature lungs lack a fluid called surfactant. This is a foamy liquid that helps the lungs open wide and take in air. When there is not enough surfactant, the lungs do not open well. This will make it difficult for the infant to breathe.
The chance of developing RDS decreases as the fetus grows. Babies born after 36 weeks rarely develop this condition.
Respiratory System of an Infant
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A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Factors that increase your baby's risk of RDS include:
The following symptoms usually start immediately or within a few hours after birth and include:
The doctor will ask about the mother's medical history and pregnancy. The baby will also be evaluated, as outlined here:
Amniotic fluid is fluid that surrounds the fetus. It may be tested for indicators of well-developed lungs such as:
Treatment for a baby with RDS usually includes oxygen therapy and may also include:
A mechanical respirator is a breathing machine. It is used to keep the lungs from collapsing and support the baby's breathing. The respirator also improves the exchange of oxygen and other gases in the lungs. A respirator is almost always needed for infants with severe RDS.
Surfactant can be given to help the lungs open. Wider lungs will allow the infant to take in more oxygen and breathe normally. One type of surfactant comes from cows and the other is synthetic. Both options are delivered directly into the infant's windpipe.
Nitric oxide is a gas that is inhaled. It can make it easier for oxygen to pass into the blood. The gas is often delivered during mechanical ventilation.
Newborns with RDS may be given food and water by the following means:
Preventing a premature birth is the best way to avoid RDS. To reduce your chance of having a premature baby:
If you are at high risk of giving birth to a premature baby:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.healthychildren.org/
KidsHealth
http://www.kidshealth.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
About Kids Health
http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/
References:
American Lung Association website. Available at: http://www.lung.org/assets/documents/publications/solddc-chapters/rds.pdf . Accessed July 16, 2012.
Hermansen C, Lorah K. Respiratory Distress in the Newborn. Am Fam Physician . 2007 Oct 1;76(7):987-994.
Respiratory distress syndrome. The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy website.
Available at:
http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/childrens_health_issues/problems_in_newborns/respiratory_distress_syndrome.html
. Accessed July 18, 2012.
RM Kleigman, RE Behrman, HB Jenson, BF Stanton. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics . 18th Edition. Eds. Saunders Publishers, Philadelphia PA, 2007.
The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy . Simon and Schuster, Inc.; 1999.
Last reviewed September 2012 by Michael Woods
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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