Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Newborns

(Hyaline Membrane Disease; RDS)

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

Definition

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a lung disorder in newborns that causes problems breathing. It needs to be treated right away to avoid severe health problems.

Causes

RDS happens when an infant's lungs have not developed enough. Immature lungs lack a fluid called surfactant that helps the lungs open wide and take in air. The lungs do not open well without it. This makes it hard to breathe.

Respiratory System of an Infant

Risk Factors

RDS is more common in:

Babies who are born very early
Males
Babies born to mothers with diabetes

Other things that may raise the risk are:

Lack of oxygen during birth
The baby's blood entering the mother's circulation before or during delivery
Cesarean section delivery
Multiple birth
High blood pressure during pregnancy

Symptoms

Problems usually happen right after birth or within a few hours. They may be:

Rapid breathing
Pauses in breathing
Grunting noise with every breath
A chest that sinks in between the ribs or under the ribcage with each breath
Flaring of the nostrils
Blue color around the lips

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about the mother's health history and pregnancy. A physical exam will be done on the baby. This is often enough to suspect RDS.

The diagnosis may be confirmed with a chest x-ray. Blood tests may also be done to check the baby's oxygen levels.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to support and promote breathing. This can be done with:

Oxygen therapy or breathing support
Surfactant to help open the lungs
Inhaled nitric oxide to make it easier for oxygen to pass into the blood
Nutrition therapy with an IV or a feeding tube

Prevention

The risk of RDS may be lowered with regular prenatal care. This may help lower the chance of having a baby that is born too early.

RESOURCES:

Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.healthychildren.org

Kids Health—Nemours Foundation
http://www.kidshealth.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

About Kids Health—The Hospital for Sick Children
http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca

Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca

References:

Respiratory distress syndrome. The Merck Manual Professional Edition website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Updated August 13, 2019. Accessed January 10, 2020.

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) of the newborn. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dyname.... Updated August 13, 2019. Accessed January 10, 2020.

Sweet DG, Carnielli V, et al. European consensus guidelines on the management of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants - 2013 update. Neonatology. 2013;103(4):353-368.

Last reviewed September 2019 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Kari Kassir, MD
Last Updated: 9/8/2020

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