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