- Respiratory distress syndrome affects babies born too early (premature) whose immature lungs are unable to inflate properly and deliver enough oxygen to the body. It is due to a combination of prematurity and a lack of a substance called surfactant. By reducing surface tension in the alveoli, surfactant normally allows lungs to expand properly so that they can function properly. Respiratory distress syndrome is the leading cause of death in infants, accounting for 20% of the deaths of newborn babies. The more premature the baby, the more Respiratory Distress Syndrome is likely to occur. It is twice as common in boys as girls and more likely to occur:
- after Caesarean Section
- if there is lack of oxygen before birth and
- if the mother is diabetic.
It usually presents immediately after birth with blue skin colour and very distressed breathing – fast, shallow, irregular with grunting and in-drawing of the chest wall on breathing. The blood oxygen is low. This condition needs prompt resuscitation with carefully controlled oxygen, usually with the help of a ventilator or breathing machine. Surfactant can be given as a treatment down the breathing tubes.
- Chronic lung disease (CLD) previously known as Broncho-pulmonary dysplasia
This is seen after premature babies have:
- suffered from respiratory distress syndrome
- needed mechanical ventilation (when a machine takes over the baby’s breathing)
- needed additional oxygen treatment for many weeks
Babies with CLD are usually born very early (before 28 weeks), remain in hospital after birth for many weeks and often go home needing to continue having oxygen treatment. They have a high risk of getting viral chest infections. These increase their breathing problems, with the result that they are repeatedly admitted to hospital during the first 2 years of life.
