If you are a parent of a premature baby, you may have heard of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). This is a condition that frequently affects premature infants, particularly those born before 34 weeks of gestation. RDS occurs when a baby's lungs are underdeveloped and cannot produce enough surfactant, a substance that helps keep the air sacs in the lungs open for breathing. As a result, the baby may experience difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, and other symptoms. Early detection and intervention are essential to improving outcomes for babies with RDS. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for RDS can help parents provide the best possible care for their premature infants.