Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)

What Is Respiratory Distress Syndrome?

Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) is a serious condition that occurs when the lungs are unable to provide enough oxygen to the body, leading to breathing difficulties. It is most commonly seen in premature newborns due to underdeveloped lungs but can also affect adults in the form of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) due to trauma, infection, or inflammation.

RDS requires urgent medical care, and with timely intervention, many patients recover fully.

Types of Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome (NRDS)

Seen in preterm infants due to a deficiency of surfactant, a substance that helps keep the lungs inflated.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

Occurs in children and adults due to lung injury from infections (like pneumonia or COVID-19), trauma, or inhalation of harmful substances.

Causes

In Newborns:

• Premature birth (before 37 weeks)
• Underdeveloped lungs lacking surfactant
• Infants of diabetic mothers
• Birth-related complications or infections

In Adults and Older Children (ARDS):

• Severe pneumonia
• COVID-19 or influenza
• Sepsis (widespread infection)
• Inhalation of smoke or toxins
• Chest trauma or head injury
• Blood transfusions or pancreatitis

Symptoms

In Newborns:

• Rapid breathing (tachypnea)
• Grunting sounds
• Flaring of nostrils
• Chest retractions (ribs pulling inward)
• Bluish color (cyanosis)
• Poor feeding or lethargy

In Adults/Children (ARDS):

• Severe shortness of breath
• Rapid breathing
• Low oxygen levels
• Confusion or fatigue
• Coughing (may produce frothy sputum)
• Low blood pressure

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and supportive tests:

• Physical exam and oxygen saturation monitoring
• Chest X-ray to detect fluid in the lungs or collapsed air spaces
• Blood tests to check oxygen and carbon dioxide levels (ABG)
• Surfactant tests in newborns
• CT scan (in complex cases)
• Echocardiogram to rule out heart-related causes of symptoms

Treatment

In Newborns:

Surfactant Replacement Therapy

Given directly into the lungs through a breathing tube to improve lung function.

Oxygen Therapy

Administered via nasal prongs, oxygen hood, or ventilator.

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)

A non-invasive way to keep lungs open and improve breathing.

Mechanical Ventilation

Used in severe cases to support breathing.

Supportive Care

Thermal regulation, fluids, and monitoring for infections.

In Adults/ARDS:

Mechanical Ventilation

Advanced respiratory support with careful monitoring.

Oxygen Therapy

Via masks or high-flow devices.

Treating Underlying Cause

Antibiotics for infections, antivirals, steroids, or supportive treatment for trauma or inflammation.

Fluid Management

To avoid fluid overload in lungs.

Prone Positioning

Lying face-down improves oxygenation in many ARDS patients.

ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation)

Used in critical cases when lungs cannot function effectively on their own.

Complications

If not treated promptly, RDS can lead to:

• Respiratory failure
• Brain damage due to lack of oxygen
• Long-term lung damage or scarring
• Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
• Death (especially in very premature infants or critically ill adults)

Prognosis

• In premature infants, survival has significantly improved with surfactant therapy and NICU care. Many recover fully, though some may develop chronic lung disease (bronchopulmonary dysplasia).
• In ARDS, outcomes depend on the cause, severity, and how quickly treatment begins. Recovery may take weeks to months.

Prevention

In Newborns:

• Antenatal steroids to mothers at risk of preterm delivery
• Preventing premature birth through proper prenatal care
• Timely NICU support after birth

In Adults:

• Vaccinations (e.g., flu, COVID-19)
• Infection control and prompt treatment of pneumonia or sepsis
• Avoid smoking and pollutants
• Manage chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease

Why Choose Aster Hospitals for RDS and Critical Care?

At Aster Hospitals, we provide specialized, 24/7 care for both neonatal and adult respiratory distress syndromes through a team of experienced neonatologists, intensivists, pulmonologists, and respiratory therapists. Our advanced NICU and ICU facilities are equipped with the latest technologies, including surfactant therapy, CPAP, mechanical ventilators, and ECMO for critical cases. We offer multidisciplinary care for RDS caused by infections, trauma, or complex medical conditions, ensuring holistic and individualized treatment. Beyond medical management, we provide compassionate post-recovery support for both patients and families. At Aster, we are deeply committed to giving every patient—no matter how small or severely ill—the best possible chance at recovery, health, and life.