Seeing your newborn struggle to breathe can be an unsettling experience, but understanding respiratory distress syndrome is the first step toward effective treatment. This article explains what RDS is, highlights its symptoms and complications, and explores effective treatment methods.
Contact our experts at Bootin and Savrick Pediatric Associates in Houston, Texas, today for more information on prevention strategies and the recovery process.
Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) occurs when a newborn’s lungs are not fully developed, making it difficult for them to breathe. This condition is more common in premature infants, whose lungs often lack a crucial substance called surfactant.
Surfactant helps keep the tiny air sacs in the lungs open, allowing oxygen to enter and carbon dioxide to exit the body efficiently. Without sufficient surfactant, the lungs struggle to function, leading to difficulty breathing and oxygenating the body.
Several factors increase the likelihood of a newborn developing RDS. Premature birth is the most significant risk factor, especially in babies born before 28 weeks of gestation. Other risk factors include:
Symptoms of RDS in newborns can include:
After delivery, vital signs will be monitored closely in your newborn and a team of newborn specialists will be readily available if signs of RDS are present.
The primary goal of RDS treatment is to provide the newborn with more oxygen and support their underdeveloped lungs as they grow stronger. A common treatment method is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), which helps keep the lungs open and allows for easier breathing. In more severe cases, mechanical ventilation might be required to ensure the baby gets enough oxygen.
Surfactant replacement therapy is another treatment, where surfactant is administered directly into the lungs to reduce the stress on the tiny air sacs and improve lung function. This method helps regulate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, often reducing the severity of symptoms.
Supportive care such as intravenous fluids, careful monitoring of blood gas, and nutrition also play a critical role in helping infants recover. The ultimate aim of treatment is to stabilize breathing while allowing the lungs and blood vessels to mature naturally.
With modern-day treatment in the hospital, newborns with RDS do very well. Rare are serious complications—most at risk for premature newborns, especially those with underlying conditions like asthma and allergies. And, without going into too much detail, it can include:
Recovery from RDS is a gradual process that involves ongoing medical care and support. Many infants who receive treatment for RDS will spend time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to ensure they are stable and receiving adequate oxygen. During this time, their breathing and oxygen levels are monitored closely, and supportive therapies are used as needed.
With proper care and early intervention, newborns who experience RDS go on to lead healthy, active lives. At Bootin and Savrick Pediatric Associates, our team of experienced pediatricians is here to support your family every step of the way, from diagnosis to recovery including monitoring for conditions like asthma and allergies. Contact our team in Houston, TX, today to book a consultation!
Medically reviewed by Dr. Monica McGrann
