Respiratory Distress Syndrome ("Blue Baby Syndrome") in Infants

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New York, U.S.: Infants who are born prematurely are sometimes diagnosed with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), also known as "blue baby syndrome". The condition is caused by a lack of surfactant, which is a naturally occurring substance that helps the lungs function properly. Surfactant is usually produced just a few weeks before birth. When premature infants -- born around six weeks before their due date -- don' t have enough surfactant, they have to work harder to breathe and experience respiratory distress. The lungs are at risk of collapsing if there are insufficient amounts of surfactant present at birth. This can result in the infant not having enough oxygen, thereby complicating organ functions.

RDS in infants is sometimes called blue baby syndrome because the infant may appear blue in color due to lung failure and/or lack of oxygen. In addition to blue baby syndrome, RDS is also known as surfactant deficiency; infant respiratory distress syndrome, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome; and hyaline membrane disease.

Treating Infant Respiratory Distress
An infant who experiences respiratory distress due to insufficient lung surfactant should be treated as soon as RDS is diagnosed. This typically will happen directly after the birth of an infant with blue baby syndrome. Infants with RDS need specialized care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Babies in the NICU receive care from doctors and nurses who specialize in treating infant respiratory distress disorders, among others.

Once in the NICU, infants need immediate help with their breathing. This can be achieved through a variety of different treatments and therapies. For example, an infant with respiratory distress might receive breathing support from a mechanical ventilator or a nasal continuous positive airway pressure machine (NCPAP). Another option is to give the infant surfactant replacement therapy, which involves administering medication. Administering extra oxygen is yet another option for treating respiratory distress in infants.

Symptoms and Risk Factors of Blue Baby Syndrome
Blue baby syndrome usually is apparent at birth, or directly following birth. Symptoms can include flaring the nostrils, grunting, or rapid, shallow breathing.

Premature or stressful delivery; gestational diabetes; and infection are some risk factors of respiratory distress in infants. Emergency cesarean deliveries can also increase the risk for blue baby syndrome. It's important to see your doctor regularly during your pregnancy. This will help to monitor any infections and/or ongoing medical conditions. This can reduce the risk of your baby developing RDS. It's also important to follow a healthy diet during pregnancy and avoid alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.

For further enquires related to ONY, Inc. and Infasurf, please free to email at info@onyinc.com or visit www.infasurf.com now.

ONY, Inc. of Amherst, New York is the owner of Infasurf (calfactant). Infasurf is derived from natural surfactants to offer relief from this syndrome.

ONY, Inc.
1576 Sweet Home Rd.
Amherst, NY 14228
Tel: (716) 636-9096
Toll-free: (877) 274-4469
info@onyinc.com
http://www.infasurf.com/
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern, excluding holidays

This release was published on openPR.