What is Respiratory Distress Syndrome?

Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) is a condition that usually affects babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. The lack of surfactant, a substance that keeps the lungs open and prevents them from collapsing, is what causes it. Without enough surfactant, the baby's lungs can't expand properly, making it difficult for them to breathe.

Types of Respiratory Distress Syndrome

There are two main types of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS):

Primary RDS: Premature babies' lungs lack surfactant, which is the root cause of this type of RDS. It typically affects infants born before 34 weeks of gestation.

Secondary RDS: This type of RDS can happen to full-term babies who already have lung problems or who had problems during delivery, like pneumonia or meconium aspiration syndrome. It can also happen to premature babies who have been getting oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation for a long time

Symptoms of Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Rapid or shallow breathing
Grunting sounds
Flaring nostrils
Retractions (pulling in of the chest or ribs with each breath)
Cyanosis (a bluish tint to the skin, especially around the mouth and lips)
Fatigue or lethargy
Poor feeding or weight gain
Apnoea (pauses in breathing)

Diagnosis of Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) is typically diagnosed in newborns based on a combination of clinical signs and symptoms as well as diagnostic tests. Some of the tests that may be used to diagnose RDS include:

Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray can show whether the baby's lungs are fully expanded or if they appear to be collapsed, underdeveloped, or have a hazy appearance, which could indicate the presence of RDS.
Blood tests: Blood tests can be used to measure the level of oxygen in the baby's blood and to assess the baby's overall health.
Arterial blood gas analysis: The results of an arterial blood gas analysis can indicate the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the baby's blood and help determine whether the baby requires additional oxygen support.
Pulse oximetry: This non-invasive test uses a sensor placed on the baby's skin to measure the level of oxygen in their blood.
Lung function tests: These tests may be used to assess the baby's lung function and capacity.
Amniocentesis: This test involves taking a sample of amniotic fluid to measure the level of surfactant in the fluid. This test is typically only done in cases where the baby is at high risk of developing RDS. This can indicate whether the baby has produced enough surfactant to help keep the air sacs in the lungs open.

Treatment for Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) is usually treated by taking care of the baby's symptoms and stopping any more problems from happening. Some of the treatments that may be used include:

Oxygen therapy: Giving the baby oxygen can help ease the symptoms of RDS and stop any more problems from happening.
Mechanical ventilation: In severe cases, a ventilator may be used to help the baby breathe.
Surfactant replacement therapy: This treatment involves giving the baby artificial surfactant to help keep the air sacs in the lungs open.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): This is a non-invasive method of delivering oxygen that can help keep the baby's airways open and prevent complications.
Antibiotics: If the baby has an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed to help treat it.
Supportive care: Taking care of the baby's basic needs, like feeding and keeping him or her hydrated, can also help ease the symptoms of RDS and speed up the healing process.

The type of treatment will depend on how bad the baby's symptoms are and what's causing the RDS. When figuring out how to treat a newborn with RDS, it's important to work closely with a healthcare provider.

If a newborn is experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention. In some cases, RDS can be life-threatening, so prompt medical attention is crucial. A healthcare provider can assess the baby's condition and provide the appropriate treatment to manage symptoms and prevent further complications.

Request an appointment at Apollo Cradle, Hyderabad - Jubilee Hills. Call 1860-500-4424 to book an appointment.

1. What are the risk factors for RDS?

Some of the risk factors for RDS include premature birth, low birth weight, maternal diabetes, caesarean delivery, and male gender.

2. Can RDS be prevented?

While it may not be possible to completely prevent RDS, some measures can reduce the risk, such as taking measures to prevent premature delivery, providing prenatal care to manage maternal conditions, and providing supportive care to premature babies, which may increase the risk of RDS. If early delivery is planned, the mother may receive corticosteroids to help mature the baby's lungs before delivery.

3. How long does it take for a baby with RDS to recover?

The length of time it takes to get better from RDS depends on how bad the condition is and how well the treatment works. In mild cases, babies may recover within a few days, while in severe cases they may require weeks or longer to recover.

4. Is RDS a common or serious condition?

Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) affects a lot of premature babies, especially those born before 34 weeks of pregnancy.RDS happens less often in full-term babies because they are older when they are born.

5. Can RDS affect adults?

While RDS is more commonly seen in premature infants, it can also occur in adults who have a respiratory failure or who have had lung injuries or other lung-related conditions. In adults, RDS is also known as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).