respiratory distress syndrome
Definition of respiratory distress syndrome
: a respiratory disorder chiefly of newborn premature infants that is characterized by deficiency of the surfactant coating the inner surface of the lungs resulting in labored breathing, lung collapse, and hypoxemia — compare acute respiratory distress syndrome
Explore Merriam-Webster
First Known Use of respiratory distress syndrome
1964
Medical Dictionary
respiratory distress syndrome
Medical Definition of respiratory distress syndrome
: a respiratory disorder that occurs in newborn premature infants and is characterized by deficiency of the surfactant coating the inner surface of the lungs, by failure of the lungs to expand and contract properly during breathing with resulting collapse, and by the accumulation of a protein-containing film lining the alveoli and their ducts—abbreviation RDS; called also hyaline membrane disease; see acute respiratory distress syndrome
Learn More about respiratory distress syndrome
-
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about respiratory distress syndrome
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up respiratory distress syndrome? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!