Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS): When Your Baby's Lungs Need Extra Support
What Is Respiratory Distress Syndrome?
Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) is a breathing condition that commonly affects premature babies. It occurs when immature lungs do not yet have enough surfactant, a substance that helps keep the tiny air sacs in the lungs open.
The earlier a baby is born, the more likely the lungs are to be immature and need additional support.
What Is Surfactant?
Surfactant coats the inside of the tiny air sacs, called alveoli, and helps prevent them from collapsing when your baby breathes out.
When there isn't enough surfactant, your baby has to work harder to keep the lungs open and exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Some babies with RDS receive surfactant medication directly into the lungs through a breathing tube.
What Signs Might the NICU Team See?
Babies with RDS may have:
Fast breathing
Retractions
Grunting
Nasal flaring
Increased oxygen needs
A need for additional respiratory support
The severity of RDS varies considerably. Some babies need relatively little support, while others require more intensive respiratory care.
How Is RDS Treated?
Treatment depends on your baby's gestational age, symptoms and respiratory needs. Support may include:
Supplemental oxygen
CPAP or other noninvasive respiratory support
Surfactant medication
Intubation and mechanical ventilation when needed
The NICU team continually adjusts respiratory support as your baby's condition changes.
Does RDS Get Better?
For many premature babies, RDS improves as the lungs mature and begin producing more surfactant.
Every baby's course is different. The amount and duration of respiratory support needed depends on factors such as gestational age, lung maturity and your baby's overall health.
