What is one of the features of IRDS?

One of the key features of Infant Respiratory Distress Syndrome (IRDS), particularly in premature infants, is respiratory distress. This condition arises primarily due to insufficient surfactant in the lungs, which leads to increased surface tension and alveolar collapse. As a result, infants experience difficulty breathing, manifesting as rapid, shallow breathing, grunting, flaring of the nostrils, retractions of the chest wall, and cyanosis.

Recognizing respiratory distress is crucial in the management of IRDS, as it necessitates prompt medical intervention, often involving oxygen therapy and surfactant replacement therapy. The presence of respiratory distress is a direct indication of the underlying pathology associated with IRDS, making it a hallmark feature of this syndrome.