Final answer:
Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome is a condition that affects newborns and causes difficulty in breathing. It primarily occurs in premature infants due to insufficient production of pulmonary surfactant. Treatment involves a range of interventions to support proper lung function.
Step-by-step explanation:
Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a condition that affects newborns and causes difficulty in breathing. It primarily occurs in infants born prematurely, where there is insufficient production of pulmonary surfactant. This prevents the lungs from properly inflating at birth, leading to dyspnea and inadequate gas exchange. Treatment may include resuscitation, intubation, mechanical ventilation, nasal CPAP, administration of pulmonary surfactant, corticosteroids, supplemental oxygen, and assisted ventilation.