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ENCYCLOPEDIA INDEX

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in infants

Alternative Names:

Hyaline membrane disease; Infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS) ; Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome; RDS - infants

Symptoms:

rapid breathing (tachypnea)
unusual breathing movement -- drawing back of the chest muscles with breathing (see intercostal retractions)
shortness of breath and grunting sounds while breathing
nasal flaring
cessation of breathing (apneic episode)
bluish coloration of the skin and mucus membranes (cyanosis)
extremities puffy or swollen (edematous)

Signs and tests:

A blood gas analysis shows low oxygen and acidosis.
A chest X-ray shows findings consistent with respiratory distress (the lungs develop a characteristic "ground glass" appearance).
Pulmonary function studies may be necessary.
Blood cultures and a sepsis work-up are usually done to rule out infection and sepsis as a cause of the respiratory distress.

Lungs