Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)
Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) of infants, sometimes called hyaline membrane disease, is a serious condition that most commonly occurs in babies who are born before their lungs are fully developed. The lungs do not fully inflate or function normally, making breathing difficult or impossible without medical intervention.
RDS occurs when the lungs fail to produce enough surfactant, a substance that helps the lungs stay properly inflated. Normally, the lungs produce surfactant close to the time of birth. Babies born before the lungs have produced this substance often require oxygen therapy or a ventilator machine to help them breathe. A baby's lungs usually will improve after a medicine form of surfactant is delivered through a breathing tube into the lungs.
How can you care for your infant who has respiratory distress syndrome?
- If your baby is sent home with oxygen, follow your doctor's directions for giving the oxygen.
- Learn how to do rescue breathing. It is important to know this in case your baby stops breathing. Talk to your doctor or take a class to learn how to do rescue breathing and infant CPR.
- Follow instructions on using a breathing monitor at home if your doctor tells you to use one.
- Do not smoke or allow anyone else to smoke in your house. Smoking increases the chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), ear infections, asthma, colds, and pneumonia.
- Wash your hands well before holding your baby. Keep your baby away from crowds and people who are sick.
- Make sure your baby gets all recommended vaccines. Also, make sure anyone who comes near your baby has had all of the recommended shots.
Infant respiratory distress syndrome: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- Your baby has severe trouble breathing. Symptoms may include:
- Using the belly muscles to breathe.
- The chest sinking in or the nostrils flaring when your child struggles to breathe.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- Your baby has a cough that does not go away.
- Your baby has a fever.
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- Your baby vomits repeatedly.
- Your baby is not eating.
- You need more information about how to care for your baby, or you have questions or concerns.
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