Final answer:
The primary cause of RDS in newborns is surfactant deficiency, which occurs in infants born prematurely and results in collapsed air sacs and difficulty in breathing. Treatment methods for RDS include administering pulmonary surfactant and providing respiratory support and supportive therapies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary cause of Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) in newborns is surfactant deficiency. RDS occurs primarily in infants born prematurely, where their lungs have not yet produced enough surfactant to properly inflate at birth.
Pulmonary surfactant is a mixture of lipids that reduce surface tension and ease the inflation of the alveoli, which are the air sacs in the lungs. The lack of surfactant results in the collapse of the alveoli, making breathing difficult and causing a decrease in blood oxygen levels.
To treat RDS, several methods can be employed, including the administration of pulmonary surfactant, respiratory support such as mechanical ventilation or nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and supportive therapies like temperature regulation and nutritional support.