respiratory distress syndrome

[ res-per-uh-tawr-ee di-stres sin-drohm, -druhm ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. Also called hyaline membrane disease. an acute lung disease of the newborn, occurring primarily in premature babies and babies born to ill mothers, characterized by rapid breathing, flaring of the nostrils, inelastic lungs, edema of the extremities, and in some cases the formation of a hyaline membrane on the lungs caused by a lack of surfactant in the immature lung tissue. : RDS
2. acute respiratory distress syndrome ( def ). : RDS

Word History and Origins

Origin of respiratory distress syndrome¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

In some severe cases of COVID-19, the lungs undergo extreme damage, resulting in a range of life-threatening conditions like pneumonia, inflammation, and acute respiratory distress syndrome.

From Science Daily

But a six-day inquest heard that despite having respiratory distress syndrome and a collapsed lung, the premature baby was "rescuable" with the right treatment.

From BBC

Without treatment, malaria can also lead to seizures, anemia, kidney damage, acute respiratory distress syndrome and even death.

From Washington Times

People infected with H5N1 virus can develop acute respiratory distress syndrome, or ARDS, manifesting in short and labored breathing.

From Science Daily

Although Mr. Hamlin’s heart was beating again by the time he reached the emergency room, he had a common complication of a cardiac arrest known as acute respiratory distress syndrome, or A.R.D.S.

From New York Times