Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome
Treatment for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) often begins before birth. If a woman is thought to have a significant risk of giving birth before week 35 of pregnancy, she will be given an injection of a steroid medication called betamethasone.
Betamethasone helps stimulate the development of the baby’s lungs. It's estimated that the use of betamethasone prevents NRDS occurring in a third of premature births.
Factors that make premature birth more likely include:
However, in many cases, women without these factors will give birth prematurely.
Treatment after the birth
If betamethasone is unsuccessful in preventing NRDS or if it was not used, it's likely that your baby will be transferred to an intensive care unit (ICU). Your baby will be attached to a ventilator so that their lung function can be supported.
The type of ventilator used will depend on how severe your baby’s symptoms are. In most cases of NRDS, a continuous supply of oxygen is given through a mask that is fitted to your baby’s face.
Your baby will be given a dose of artificial surfactant to help restore their normal lung function and may be given antibiotics as a precaution.
Your baby will also be given fluids and nutrients through a tube connected to one of their veins. Most babies respond well to treatment and are well enough to leave hospital within five to eight days.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome
If you develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), you will probably be admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) and put on a ventilator to assist your breathing. In some cases, it may be possible to use an oxygen mask to supply you with oxygen.
If you have severe ARDS, a tube will be inserted down your throat and into your lungs through which oxygen is pumped. Fluids and nutrients will be supplied through a tube in your vein.
It will also be necessary to treat the causes of ARDS. For example, if it was caused by an infection, you may be prescribed antibiotics to help fight the infection.
The amount of time you need to spend in hospital will depend on your individual circumstances and the cause of ARDS. Most people respond well to treatment within 72 hours, although it may take several weeks or months before you are well enough to leave hospital.
