Respiratory distress occurs when there is failure to maintain adequate exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide by the lungs for a variety of reasons. It is characterized by: Respiration rate of 60/minute or more (tachypnoea), expiratory
grunt, chest or subcostal recession, cyanosis, and flaring of alae nasi.
Causes of respiratory distress
- Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS),
- Pneumonia,
- Aspiration of meconium or feeds,
- Transient tachypnoea of newborn,
- Congenital heart disease, and (rarely)
- Congenital anomalies of the oesophagus, airways or diaphragm.
Clinical Features That May Assist in Diagnosis
- Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is most common in premature babies, but can occur in infants of diabetic mothers and following caesarian section.
- Pneumonia: may be suspected with a history of prolonged rupture of membranes (more than 12 hours) and maternal fever, offensive liquor, or vaginal discharge. These are features of sepsis in the mother.
- Meconium aspiration: Meconium stained liquor and staining of skin, nails, and cord.
- Transient tachypnoea of newborn: Difficult to differentiate from RDS but usually in term/near term babies. Resolves within 24 hours.
- Cardiac lesion: May or may not have murmurs depending on the defect.
Investigations
- Full blood count
- Blood culture
- Chest x-ray
- Special tests according to suspected problem
Management
- Admit.
- Treat danger signs if present.
- Supportive therapy as in sepsis.
- Antibiotics: An infection cannot usually be excluded.
- Note: A baby who has pneumonia that does not respond to usual antibiotics could be having Chlamydia trachomatis infection. If this is so, the baby will respond to erythromycin 50mg/kg/day for 14 days
- Re-evaluate or consult if not improving within 2–3 days of treatment.
- Refer to specialists as needed to deal with any complex problem for further management.