Infant Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Care Instructions

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A child's airways

Your Care Instructions

Your baby has been treated for infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS). This is a serious breathing problem. It can happen to premature babies who are born before their lungs are fully developed.

Normally a baby's lungs make a substance that helps the lungs fill with air. The lungs usually make this substance close to the time of birth. Your baby's lungs did not make enough of this substance. This made it very hard for your baby to breathe.

Babies who have IRDS need extra oxygen. And they may need to be on a ventilator. This machine helps your baby breathe. To use the machine, the doctor puts a soft tube through your baby's mouth into the windpipe. Your baby has been getting oxygen and medicine through the tube. This helped your baby's lungs get stronger.

The hospital staff will make sure that your baby is ready to go home. And they'll help you get the support you need. A member of the staff will answer your questions about what will happen before and after your baby leaves the hospital.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

  • If your baby is sent home with oxygen, follow your doctor's directions for giving the oxygen.
  • Learn how to do rescue breathing. It is important to know this in case your baby stops breathing. Talk to your doctor or take a class to learn how to do rescue breathing and infant CPR.
  • Follow instructions on using a breathing monitor at home if your doctor tells you to use one.
  • Do not smoke or allow anyone else to smoke in your house. Smoking increases the chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), ear infections, asthma, colds, and pneumonia.
  • Wash your hands well before holding your baby. Keep him or her away from crowds and people who are sick.
  • Make sure your baby gets all of his or her immunizations. Also, make sure anyone who comes near your baby has had all of the recommended shots.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • Your baby has severe trouble breathing. Symptoms may include:
    • Using the belly muscles to breathe.
    • The chest sinking in or the nostrils flaring when your child struggles to breathe.

Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • Your baby has a cough that does not go away.
  • Your baby has a fever.

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse call line if:

  • Your baby vomits repeatedly.
  • Your baby is not eating.
  • You need more information about how to care for your baby, or you have questions or concerns.

Where can you learn more?

Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter J445 in the search box to learn more about "Infant Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Care Instructions".

Current as of: May 12, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Donald Sproule, MDCM, CCFP - Family Medicine & John Pope, MD, MPH - Pediatrics