Who is at Risk?
RDS is more prevalent in babies born before 37 weeks of gestation.
Premature infants are at the highest risk, especially those born before 28 weeks. Other risk factors include
maternal diabetes, multiple births (twins, triplets), and a family history of RDS.
What are the Symptoms?
Symptoms of RDS usually appear within minutes to a few hours after birth. Common signs include:
Rapid, shallow breathing
Grunting sounds during exhalation
Flaring of the nostrils
Cyanosis (a bluish tint to the skin, lips, and nails)
Retractions (the skin pulling in between the ribs and under the ribcage with each breath)
What is the Prognosis?
The prognosis for infants with RDS has significantly improved with advances in neonatal care. Most babies who receive timely and appropriate treatment recover well, though they may require ongoing medical follow-up to monitor for potential long-term complications.
