Key Points

• Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a breathing disorder that affects newborns. RDS rarely occurs in full-term infants. The disorder is more common in premature infants born about 6 weeks or more before their due dates.
• RDS is one of the most common lung disorders in premature infants. It affects about 10 out of every 100 premature babies in the United States. In fact, nearly all infants born before 28 weeks of pregnancy develop RDS.
• RDS may be an early phase of bonchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), another breathing disorder that affects premature infants. However, some infants who have RDS recover and never develop BPD.
• The main cause of RDS is a lack of surfactant in the lungs. Surfactant is a liquid that coats the inside of the lungs and helps keep them open. Premature infants' lungs aren't able to make enough surfactant.
• Certain factors may increase the risk that your infant will develop RDS. These factors include premature delivery, stress during delivery, infection, and if you have diabetes. Your baby also is at greater risk if you have an emergency cesarean delivery (C-section). Planned C-sections that occur before babies' lungs have fully matured also can increase the risk of RDS.
• You can take steps to help ensure that your infant isn't born before his or her lungs have developed completely. See your doctor regularly during your pregnancy. Follow a healthy diet and avoid tobacco smoke, alcohol, and illegal drugs. Control any ongoing medical conditions you have, and try to prevent infections.
• Signs and symptoms of RDS usually occur at birth or within the first few hours that follow. They include rapid, shallow breathing; sharp pulling in of the chest below and between the ribs with each breath; grunting sounds; and flaring of the nostrils. The infant also may stop breathing for a few seconds every now and then.
• Depending on the severity of an infant's RDS, he or she may develop other medical problems, such as lung, blood, or blood vessel complications.
• RDS is common in premature infants. Thus, doctors usually recognize and begin treating the disorder as soon as babies are born. Doctors also do several tests to rule out other conditions that could be causing an infant's breathing problems and to confirm a diagnosis.
• Most infants who show signs of RDS are quickly moved to a neonatal intensive care unit. There they receive around-the-clock care from health professionals who specialize in treating premature infants.
• Treatments for RDS include surfactant replacement therapy, breathing support, oxygen therapy, medicines, supportive therapy, and other treatments.
• Caring for a premature infant can be challenging. You may experience a range of emotions. You can take steps to help yourself during this difficult time. Take care of your health so that you have enough energy to deal with the situation. Learn as much as you can about your infant's condition and what's involved in daily care. Seek out support from family, friends, and hospital staff.
• Due to recent medical advances, most infants who have RDS and weigh more than 2 pounds (or about 1,000 grams) at birth now survive. However, these infants may need some extra medical care after going home from the hospital.