Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome
Complications of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) may develop shortly after treatment begins (acute) or may persist for many years (chronic).
Acute complications
Air leaks
In some cases of NRDS, the use of a ventilator can cause air to leak out of the lungs and become trapped in the chest cavity.
The pocket of air places extra pressure on the lungs so that blood cannot return from the lungs to the heart. This can cause blood pressure to fall and result in further breathing problems.
Air leaks can be treated by inserting a tube into the chest to draw out the trapped air.
Internal bleeding
Babies with NRDS may experience bleeding inside their lungs (pulmonary haemorrhage) and brain (cerebral haemorrhage).
Both are life-threatening conditions that require emergency surgery to repair any damaged blood vessels and stop the bleeding.
Chronic complications
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a long-term lung condition that can affect some children with NRDS. It develops when the ventilator used to treat NRDS causes the lungs to become scarred, affecting their development.
Symptoms of BPD include, rapid, shallow breathing and shortness of breath.
Babies with BPD usually require an oxygen mask to help with their breathing. This is usually stopped after a few months when the lungs have developed.
However, children with BPD may require regular medication, such as bronchodilators, to help widen the airways of their lungs and assist with their breathing.
Developmental disabilities
If the brain is damaged during NRDS, either through a lack of oxygen or bleeding, it can lead to long-term developmental disabilities such as:
These developmental problems are not usually severe. For example, one survey estimated that 3 out of 4 children with developmental problems only have a mild disability that should not affect their ability to lead a normal adult life.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome
Abnormal lung function
Many people with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) recover normal lung function within six months. However, in some cases, the lungs may become permanently damaged which can lead to symptoms such as:
- extreme tiredness
- chest pain
- shortness of breath, particularly when being physically active
If you have permanent damage to your lungs, you will be prescribed medication, such as bronchodilators, to help with your breathing. In the most severe cases of ARDS, oxygen therapy, such as using a portable oxygen tank to help with breathing, may be required.
Muscle weakness
Muscle weakness affects most people recovering from an episode of ARDS. This is because spending several weeks in bed and on a ventilator can result in a rapid weakening of the muscles.
Once you are discharged from hospital, it is likely that you will require a course of physical therapy, such as strengthening exercises, to regain your muscle strength.
Mental functions
In many cases of ARDS, brain damage can occur due to the brain being starved of oxygen. This can lead to long-term problems with a person’s mental functions, such as memory and learning.
Common problems in people recovering from ARDS include:
- memory problems, such as difficulty recalling certain words or remembering people’s names
- difficulty concentrating
- low attention span
- problems doing complex mental tasks, such as mental arithmetic
Depression
An episode of ARDS can be traumatic and frightening, and the recovery process can sometimes be stressful and frustrating.
As a result, people who are recovering from ARDS often become depressed. It's estimated that a quarter of people recovering from ARDS have moderate to severe depression.
Signs of depression include:
- feeling down or hopeless for extended periods of time
- having little interest or pleasure in doing things you usually enjoy
Contact your GP for advice if you think you may be depressed.
