1. 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
   "The premature infant was placed on a ventilator due to respiratory distress syndrome";
   - respiratory distress syndrome of the newborn, hyaline membrane disease

Derived forms: respiratory distress syndromes

Type of: respiratory disease, respiratory disorder, respiratory illness

Encyclopedia: Respiratory distress syndrome, newborn