Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) of infants, also known as hyaline membrane disease, is one of the most common disorders that often occur in premature babies. According to a research conducted by American Thoracic Society, 10 percent of infants in the Unites States develop RDS. How does it occur?

1. Newborns Struggling to Breathe:
Understanding the Infant Respiratory
Distress Syndrome
Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) of infants, also known as hyaline membrane disease, is
one of the most common disorders that often occur in premature babies. According to a
research conducted by American Thoracic Society, 10 percent of infants in the Unites States
develop RDS. How does it occur?
Image
source: medicaldaily.com
In the lungs, there are small air sacs called alveoli. A substance called surfactant coats the air
sacs. It helps the newborns open their lungs so they can fully breathe. By week 34 of
pregnancy, most babies have already produced enough surfactant. Thus, if the baby is born
prematurely, the surfactant produced may not be sufficient. The insufficient surfactant may
cause the air sacs to collapse. However, RDS can also happen to babies even though they
were carried to full term. Some risk factors include underweight newborn and if the baby’s
mother is diabetic. Signs and symptoms are evident immediately after the baby is born. These
include grunting respirations, blue-colored lips and toes, nasal flaring, and rapid, shallow
breathing.

2. Image
source: abc.net.au
Fortunately, according to Boston’s Children Hospital, more than 90 percent of babies with
RDS survive. The treatment includes ventilator support and direct medication to the lungs
called artificial surfactant.
Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon specializes in pulmonology and critical care medicine. For the latest updates on
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