Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome
The symptoms of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) are usually noticeable immediately after birth and get worse over the following 48 to 72 hours.
Symptoms of NRDS include:
- blue-coloured lips, fingers and toes
- rapid, shallow breathing
- flaring nostrils
- a grunting sound when breathing
- the skin around the ribs and chest can appear pulled in, making the bones of the ribs and chest easily visible
Acute respiratory distress syndrome
It is rare for the symptoms of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) to develop on their own. ARDS usually develops as a complication of a serious, existing health condition (see causes of respiratory distress syndrome). By the time the symptoms of ARDS begin, most people have already been admitted to hospital for another reason.
Symptoms of ARDS include:
- blue-coloured lips, fingers and toes
- rapid, shallow breathing
- breathing that becomes increasingly laboured and difficult
- rapid heartbeat
- tiredness, which is usually followed by drowsiness or confusion
