An acute lung disorder that makes breathing difficult, resulting in a life-threatening deficiency of oxygen in the blood. There are 2 types of the syndrome. In premature babies, the lungs are stiff and do not inflate easily due to a lack of surfactant. In adults, it develops as a result of a severe injury or overwhelming infection. Treatment is for the underlying cause, and is with artificial ventilation and oxygen; inhaled surfactant is given to babies.
Respiratory distress syndrome |
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