Baltimore Infant Respiratory Distress Syndrome Attorneys

Baltimore Birth Injury Attorneys Fighting Medical Negligence

Respiratory distress is the leading cause of fatality in babies born prematurely. Infant respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is usually found in babies born before the 37-week mark and, if it is not treated immediately, can lead to serious medical problems.

If your child experienced RDS, it may have been caused by your physician’s negligent or careless actions. When considering whether to pursue legal action, call Murphy, Falcon & Murphy and put our team’s experience and winning record on your side.

Give us a call at 410.951.8744.

Causes & Symptoms of Infant Respiratory Distress Syndrome

RDS is caused by a lack of surfactant (a slippery fluid) in the lungs. Surfactant helps our lungs fill with air and keeps them from deflating. Infants suffering from respiratory distress have severe difficulty breathing.

Factors that may cause RDS include:

  • Siblings with RDS
  • Maternal diabetes
  • Premature C-section or delivery
  • Blood flow problems during delivery
  • Multiple pregnancy
  • Rapid labor

Symptoms may occur soon after birth, but may also take a few hours to appear.

Symptoms of RDS include:

  • Blue skin tone
  • Stops or pauses in breathing
  • Decreased urination
  • Grunting
  • Flaring of the nostrils
  • Rapid, weak breaths
  • Unusual chest movement while breathing

Lab tests, chest x-rays, and blood gas analysis can be used to detect the condition in infants.

Treatments for Infant Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Premature babies should see specialists who can respond quickly to symptoms of RDS. Warm, moist oxygen will be administered to most infants who are affected by RDS. Infants also require gentle handling, a calm setting, an ideal body temperature, and careful management of fluids and nutrition. The second and seventh days are the most dangerous for infants struggling with RDS, as the condition usually worsens before it gets better.

Turn to Our Baltimore Birth Injury Lawyers for Guidance

Do you think your baby may have been harmed by inadequate treatment or a delayed or improper diagnosis? Our birth injury lawyers have settled multi-million dollar cases for clients fighting for compensation on behalf of their injured newborns. Join our history of success when you call today for your free case evaluation.

Call 410.951.8744 to get Murphy, Falcon & Murphy behind your case.