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You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Newborns: Symptoms & Signs
      Category : Health Centers > Respiratory System (Lungs and Breathing)

Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Newborns

Alternate Names : RDS

Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Newborns | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring | Attribution


What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

During the first 72 hours after birth, babies with RDS have increasing trouble breathing. In addition, the amount of oxygen in their bloodstream decreases. Some infants stop breathing when they become too tired out from the effort of trying to force air into the collapsed alveoli. If this lasts for more than 20 seconds, it is called apnea. Other symptoms include:

  • flaring of the nostrils
  • a whining, moaning sound during breathing called grunting
  • retractions. This is a sinking in of muscles around the ribs and in the neck that occurs when considerable effort is needed to breathe.
  • breathing that is faster than normal
  • bluish skin color called cyanosis. This occurs when a person cannot get enough oxygen into the bloodstream. It can result from difficulty breathing.

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    Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Newborns: Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

     

    Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Newborns: Diagnosis & Tests

    Author: Lama Rimawi, MD
    Reviewer: Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
    Date Reviewed: 08/07/01









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    Page Last Updated: 6th April, 2009