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Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in infants

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Lungs

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in infants

Alternative Names:

Hyaline membrane disease; Infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS); Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome; RDS - infants
Symptoms:

Rapid breathing
Unusual breathing movement -- drawing back of the chest muscles with breathing (see intercostal retractions)
Shortness of breath and grunting sounds while breathing
Nasal flaring
Breathing stops briefly
Bluish color of the skin and mucus membranes
Arms or legs puffy or swollen

Signs and tests:

A blood gas analysis shows low oxygen and acidosis.
A chest x-ray indicates respiratory distress (the lungs develop a characteristic "ground glass" appearance).
Lung function studies may be necessary.
Blood cultures and a sepsis work-up are usually done to rule out infection and sepsis as a cause of the respiratory distress.

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