Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)
Current as of: September 20, 2021
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & John Pope MD - Pediatrics
Access info on COVID tests, vaccines, visitor policy, hospitalization data, and FAQs.
Search by keyword or browse our list of services.
Find a provider by specialty, location, or availability.
See current studies testing new drugs, devices, and equipment to find better ways to treat and help patients.
For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 without delay.
Search by specialty and location.
Receive the highest level of care from the region's leading providers.
Find a lab or imaging facility close to you.
Find an outpatient infusion center.
Visit us to pay bills, ask billing questions, or request billing records.
Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) of infants, sometimes called hyaline membrane disease, is a serious condition that most commonly occurs in babies who are born before their lungs are fully developed. The lungs do not fully inflate or function normally, making breathing difficult or impossible without medical intervention.
RDS occurs when the lungs fail to produce enough surfactant, a substance that helps the lungs stay properly inflated. Normally, the lungs produce surfactant close to the time of birth. Babies born before the lungs have produced this substance often require oxygen therapy or a ventilator machine to help them breathe. A baby's lungs usually will improve after a medicine form of surfactant is delivered through a breathing tube into the lungs.
Current as of: September 20, 2021
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & John Pope MD - Pediatrics
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Healthwise is a URAC accredited health web site content provider. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
To learn more, visit Healthwise.org
© 1995-2015 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
You take care of others, so take care of yourself. Let us be your partner in health, whether you're recovering from an injury, checking in for your annual exam, or enjoying an online class.
Because when you take care of yourself, everyone around you benefits.