Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome is a condition that affects newborn babies, especially those born prematurely. It involves the lungs, which are responsible for breathing and oxygen exchange. In this condition, the baby's lungs do not produce enough surfactant, a substance that helps keep the air sacs open. Without enough surfactant, the lungs collapse and the baby has difficulty breathing. This leads to low oxygen levels in the blood and can cause serious health problems. The condition usually appears within the first few hours after birth and requires medical attention to support breathing.

Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) is a disorder primarily caused by surfactant deficiency in the lungs of premature infants. Surfactant, produced by type II alveolar cells, reduces surface tension in alveoli, preventing collapse during exhalation. The lack of surfactant leads to alveolar collapse, impaired gas exchange, and resultant hypoxemia and respiratory distress. It is most common in infants born before 34 weeks of gestation due to immature lung development. Clinically, it presents with tachypnea, nasal flaring, grunting, and cyanosis shortly after birth. The condition is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality and requires prompt diagnosis and management.