Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Respiratory distress syndrome affects premature infants born, usually, before 34 weeks gestation (rather than 40, which is the norm). It is caused by the lack of production of a fluid called surfactant, which overcomes the surface tension of the alveoli, and allows them to expand. If they don’t expand they cannot fill with air and there is no exchange of oxygen between air and blood, so the baby has oxygen shortage - causing rapid breathing, cyanosis, grunting and distress. Artificial surfactant, given via a tube in the baby’s trachea may help.
 
 
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