Respiratory Distress Syndrome (Noun)
Meaning
An acute lung disease of the newborn (especially the premature newborn); lungs cannot expand because of a wetting agent is lacking; characterized by rapid shallow breathing and cyanosis and the formation of a glassy hyaline membrane over the alveoli.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- Newborn babies, especially those who are premature, are susceptible to respiratory distress syndrome, a life-threatening condition that affects the lungs and requires immediate medical attention.
- Respiratory distress syndrome can occur in infants born at less than 28 weeks gestation due to a lack of surfactant, a substance that allows the lungs to expand and contract properly.
- Premature babies diagnosed with respiratory distress syndrome may exhibit rapid, shallow breathing, as well as blue discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to a lack of oxygen.
- A team of pediatric specialists treated the premature infant for respiratory distress syndrome using surfactant replacement therapy to improve lung function.
- Researchers studying the pathophysiology of respiratory distress syndrome discovered that a hyaline membrane forms over the alveoli in the lungs, impairing gas exchange and exacerbating symptoms.