What are the symptoms of NRDS?
Common symptoms of NRDS include:
- Rapid breathing
- Grunting sounds while breathing
- Blue tint to the skin, especially around the lips and face
- Flaring of the nostrils
- Struggling to breathe or use of extra muscles to breathe
What causes NRDS?
NRDS is most commonly seen in babies who are born before 34 weeks of pregnancy, as their lungs may not be fully developed. Other factors that can contribute include:
- Being born to a mother with diabetes
- Having a cesarean delivery without labour
- Being a boy, as they are more likely to develop this condition than girls
How common are NRDS?
NRDS is quite common among premature infants. About 60% of babies born less than 28 weeks gestation will develop the condition, whereas only a small percentage of full-term babies are affected.
How can I treat NRDS?
Treatment for NRDS usually takes place in a hospital. Options may include:
- Giving the baby oxygen to help with breathing
- Administering surfactant directly into the lungs
- Using a ventilator or CPAP machine to help keep the airways open
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How to prevent NRDS?
While not all cases of NRDS can be prevented, there are ways to reduce the risk, such as:
- Getting regular prenatal care during pregnancy
- Avoiding smoking, alcohol, and drugs during pregnancy
- Being aware of signs of premature labour to seek help early
How to live with NRDS?
If your baby has survived NRDS, they may need extra support and care in the early days. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help monitor their development and any long-term effects they might experience.
What support is available for people with NRDS?
Families may benefit from support groups or counselling services to help cope with the challenges of having a baby who requires special care due to NRDS. Hospital staff can often connect families with these resources.
What’s the outlook for NRDS?
Most babies with NRDS recover with proper treatment. However, some may experience long-term effects, such as respiratory issues or developmental delays, particularly if they were born very prematurely.
Final thoughts
If you are concerned about your baby’s breathing or health, it is important to speak to your GP or healthcare provider.
