Respiratory Distress Syndrome:

Respiratory distress in a  newborn is  a challenging problem.  It  accounts for significant morbidity and mortality. It occurs  in  4 to 6 per cent of neonates. Thcondition is preventable. Early recognition and  prompt management are requiredA few may  need  ventilatory support, but  this  treatment is often not available and when available may be expensive.  

It  is  symptom complex that  originates secondary  to a deficiency of  the quantity or the quality of pulmonary surfactant superimposed on  a structurally and functionally immature cardiopulmonary system. It is important to remember that in  addition to surfactant deficiency immaturity of cardio pulmonary system significantly contributes to the syndrome of  respiratory distress. The  term "hyaline membrane disease" and R.D.S.  are used  synonymously used. 

Causes

Airway Obstruction 

• Nasal  or nasopharyngeal:choanal  atresia, nasal  edema  
• Oral cavity: macroglossia, micrognathia   
• Neck: congenital goiter, cystic hygroma
• Larynx: web, stenosis, cord paralysis, laryingomalacia
• Trachea: tracheamalacia, tracheo-esophageal fistula