What is "respiratory distress syndrome"

n. an acute lung disease of the newborn (especially the premature newborn); lungs cannot expand because of a wetting agent is lacking; characterized by rapid shallow breathing and cyanosis and the formation of a glassy hyaline membrane over the alveoli [syn: respiratory distress syndrome of the newborn, hyaline membrane disease]

There are two forms of respiratory distress syndrome:

• ARDS, which is acute (or adult) respiratory distress syndrome
• Infant respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), which is a complication of premature birth, also known as hyaline membrane disease (HMD)

Also, respiratory distress can mean:

• Shortness of breath
• Respiratory failure