Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome
If your baby is born prematurely, the medical staff will be aware that there is a risk of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS). Therefore, it's likely that your baby will be tested for NRDS shortly after being born.
A physical examination will be carried out to check for the distinctive signs and symptoms of NRDS, such as blue lips or flaring nostrils. Blood tests may then be used to measure the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your baby’s blood.
Pulse oximetry test
A pulse oximetry test can also be used to measure how much oxygen your baby is managing to breathe in. A sensor is put on the baby’s fingertip, ear or toe. This measures how light waves are being absorbed.
Oxygen can affect how light waves are absorbed, so by analysing the results the computer can quickly determine how much oxygen is present in your baby’s blood.
X-ray
X-rays of your baby’s chest may also be taken. If your baby has NRDS, the X-rays of the lung will have a distinctive, cloudy appearance.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram may be carried out to assess the state of your baby’s heart and to rule out heart conditions that can sometimes cause similar symptoms to NRDS. An echocardiogram is a type of ultrasound scan that is designed to build up a picture of the inside of the heart.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome
The process for diagnosing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is similar to that used for diagnosing NRDS.
Blood tests and a pulse oximetry test are used to measure the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood and lungs. A chest X-ray may also be used to check the condition of the lungs.
