What is infant respiratory distress syndrome?

It is a kind of serious medical condition seen in children. The condition is also known as Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome or Hyaline Membrane Disease. In this condition, the child’s lungs will not be able to provide enough oxygen to its body.

What causes infant respiratory distress syndrome?

The main cause of this condition is the inadequate level of surfactant substance in the lungs. This substance helps the air sacs of the lung from collapsing. Premature birth may also be a cause for infant respiratory distress syndrome in the child. Babies born before 28 weeks of pregnancy may develop this condition.

What are the signs and symptoms of infant respiratory syndrome?

The signs and symptoms of the condition will be visible immediately after the birth of the child. Some of the common signs and symptoms of this condition may include:

• Flaring nostrils

• Groaning sound while breathing

• Shallow, rapid breathing

• Blue-coloured fingers, lips and toes

How is the condition treated?

Babies born with this condition may seek help in breathing. They might need extra oxygen and any kind of ventilator support. Babies in ventilation may be treated using artificial surfactant that will help restore the normal functioning of the lung. Betamethasone is the name of a medication which can be used to prevent or reduce the severity of the condition.