About this topic
Respiratory distress is a breathing problem that affects newborns. It is also called RDS. It is more common in babies who are born early. In most cases, this is because the lungs have not fully developed. The lungs are not making enough of a foamy liquid that helps them stay open. This natural fluid is surfactant. It makes it easier for the lungs to open up and to keep from collapsing. Fully developed lungs contain this fluid. ‚
What are the causes?
- Lungs that are not fully developed
- Babies born before the due date
- Not enough surfactant
- Genetic problems
What can make this more likely to happen?
- Babies who are born early, especially those who are born more than 3 weeks early
- Having a brother or sister who had RDS
- Mom having diabetes while pregnant
- Mom having blood pressure problems while pregnant
- Baby born by C-section
- Reduced blood flow to the baby while in delivery
- Mom being pregnant with more than one baby at a time, such as twins or triplets
What are the main signs?
- Bluish color of the skin, lips, or nail beds
- Short time of no breathing
- Trouble breathing
- Grunting sounds while breathing
- Fast, shallow breathing
- Nostrils going in and out while breathing. This is nasal flaring.
- Pulling in of the skin around the chest and neck area and between the ribs. These are retractions.
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
The doctor will do an exam and may order: ‚
- A device to tell how much oxygen is in your babys blood. This will tell the doctor if your baby needs extra oxygen. It is a pulse oximeter.
- A blood test to check how much oxygen and carbon dioxide is in your baby's blood. This is an arterial blood gas or ABG.
- A picture of your baby's heart and lungs. This will show the doctor what the lungs look like. This is a chest x-ray.
- Your doctor may order other lab tests. These will help to make sure infection is not the cause of the breathing problems.
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- An incubator will keep your baby warm. The staff will check your babys heart rate, breathing, and temperature very often.
- Your baby may need a breathing tube for a while. This is until your baby can breathe without any help. This breathing tube will go into your baby's nose or mouth.
- A pulse oximeter is used continuously. This device tells the amount of oxygen in your baby's blood.
- Your baby may need some breathing treatments. These may help to loosen mucus in the lungs or open up the airways.
- The doctor may give your baby artificial surfactant. This may help your baby breathe better. This is given right away after birth until your baby starts to make more surfactant on his own.
- Your baby may need a small plastic tube in the arm, leg, or scalp. This is an I.V. Your baby will get fluid and drugs through the I.V.
- The doctor may put a longer catheter into your baby's belly button. This catheter will show the staff your baby's blood pressure. This catheter will give fluids, nutrition, and drugs to your baby. Your baby may be able to have blood drawn through this catheter.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help your baby breathe easier
- Open your babys airways
- Lower swelling of the airways
- Get rid of extra body fluids
- Help with pain and keep your baby calm
- Fight an infection
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
Keeping babies from being born too early is the best way to prevent RDS. Women need to have care from a doctor. This is important early in the pregnancy until the baby is born. Pregnant women should avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and use of illegal drugs. If a woman goes into labor early, her doctor may give her a special drug. This may help the babys lungs develop. ‚
Where can I learn more?
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/rds/printall-index.html ‚
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/618/viewAbstract ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚