What is infant respiratory distress syndrome?

Infant Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Jump to

Infant respiratory distress syndrome: Overview

Your baby has been treated for infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS). This is a serious breathing problem. It can happen to premature babies who are born before their lungs are fully developed.

Normally a baby's lungs make a substance that helps the lungs fill with air. The lungs usually make this substance close to the time of birth. Your baby's lungs did not make enough of this substance. This made it very hard for your baby to breathe.

Babies who have IRDS need extra oxygen. And they may need to be on a ventilator. This machine helps your baby breathe. To use the machine, the doctor puts a soft tube through your baby's mouth into the windpipe. Your baby has been getting oxygen and medicine through the tube. This helped your baby's lungs get stronger.

The hospital staff will make sure that your baby is ready to go home. And they'll help you get the support you need. A member of the staff will answer your questions about what will happen before and after your baby leaves the hospital.

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.

©2011-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated

The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.