Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a breathing disorder that affects newborns, rarely occurring in full-term infants. Most cases occur in babies born before 37 weeks gestation. The lungs in the infant are not developed enough to provide the appropriate amount of oxygen to the body. RDS is treated with oxygen therapy, and possibly also ventilator support. In the majority of cases, RDS can be successfully treated; however, in some case the infant may need to continue treatment for the remainder of their life.
