The study aimed to examine respiratory diseases in newborns, especially respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), and the relationship between gestational age, birth weight and RDS. It analyzed 30 newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit and neonatal department from January to February 2008. The findings were that RDS predominantly affects preterm infants under 32 weeks gestation. Treatment for RDS included surfactant therapy, CPAP, ventilation and antibiotics. Combinations and durations of antibiotics depended on the diagnosis and severity of the condition.