Question
If a newborn is diagnosed with respiratory distress syndrome soon after birth, will this condition lead to any sequelae?
Answer
Newborns with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome require timely treatment. Typically, no sequelae will remain if the treatment is administered in a timely manner. Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome occurs due to underdeveloped lungs and reduced surfactant in the lungs at birth, particularly common in premature infants. When sufficient surfactant is present in the alveoli, the condition of respiratory distress syndrome will be alleviated. Although neonatal respiratory distress syndrome may lead to sequelae due to hypoxia, symptoms can be relieved with active treatment. If hypoxia affects the child’s brain, magnetic resonance imaging or computerized tomography scans can be performed for early diagnosis and active treatment.