What is does it mean that my baby has "RDS?"

“Respiratory distress syndrome, or RDS, is a common breathing problem that happens in premature babies. When babies are born too early, their lungs aren’t fully developed yet. The main issue is that their lungs don’t make enough of a substance called surfactant. Surfactant helps keep the tiny air sacs in the lungs open, so the baby can easily breathe air in and out.

Without enough surfactant, the lungs are stiffer and can collapse more easily, which makes it harder for the baby to breathe on their own. That’s why babies with RDS may breathe fast, work hard to get air, or need extra oxygen or help from a breathing machine.

The good news is that RDS is well understood and very treatable. We can give babies surfactant medicine directly into their lungs and support their breathing until their lungs grow stronger and start making enough on their own. Most babies improve with time and care as their lungs continue to develop.”