What is respiratory distress? My 6 months old son just got out of the hospital for it. ?

Question

I took him in because he had a 102.6 F fever. They drew blood and did x-rays and determined that he needed to stay in the hospital (from Tuesday night up to Friday afternoon). The doctor never really explained anything to me. All I know is that he left with meds for a cold, infection, an asthma pump (or whatever that pump thing is that asthmatics use), ear drops for his right ear and antihistamines spray and drops. No one explain anything even after I asked!!!! I am furious!

So what exactly is going on. He had a runny nose, fever and was lethargic.

Answer 1

What Is Respiratory Distress Syndrome?

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a breathing problem that sometimes affects babies born about 6 weeks or more before their due dates. Their lungs aren't developed enough to make surfactant (sur-FAK-tant). Surfactant is a liquid that coats the inside of the lungs and keeps them open so that the baby can breathe in air once he or she is born.

Without surfactant, the lungs collapse and the baby has to work hard to breathe. The baby might not be able to breathe in enough oxygen to support the body's organs.

Most infants who develop RDS show signs of breathing problems at birth or within the next few hours. If they're not given the right treatment, their brains and other organs may suffer from the lack of oxygen.

hope that helps. here is the website i used....   http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Dise...

Answer 2

its when your lungs have trouble making oxygen your lucky he was not in there longer im an x-ray tech and i see alot of that in the hospital sometimes bad cases sometimes good  

Answer 3

It sounds like something similar to bronchitus, they really should have explained it better to you, but I am glad to hear everything is okay.  Did they suggest you get a follow up appt?  Either way, I would call your doc and let them know what had gone on, he might want to take a look and could definantly give you further insight to your question.  I'm sorry momma! Hope baby feels better!

Answer 4

Im a Registered Nurse. I would be happy to help clear things up for you.  It would be very helpful if you could look at his discharge papers that they gave you. They are required to give you written instructions. If you could read that, and tell me more about what it says that would be very helpful. Look for something that says what his Diagnosis is, and instructions for at home care.

Respiratory distress simply means the patient's breathing is distressed...  this is an umbrella term that can range from mild to severe... mild shortness of breathe... moderate would be wheezing and difficulty catching breathe... to severe as turning blue, gasping, and airway totally closed off... to extremely severe as patient is NOT breathing at all (respiratory arrest).

If he has antibiotics, he most likely has some kind of infection... could be anything from an ear infection, to bronchitis, to a sinus infection, to tonsilitus, to pneumonia...  If he has ear drops, then he probably has an ear infection... which was probably caused by the respiratory infection... as they tend to spread to the ears... infection could have been triggered by a bacteria, virus, or an allergen... dust, mold, pollen, ect... this foreign invader starts the sneezing and runny nose... this is what the antihistamines are for... if they think he has Asthma... this would help to also prevent an asthma attack... and possibly had a Cold virus, or RSV (respiratory synsynctal  virus) which is very common in babies/kids, which could have triggered the infection, which led to the fever, lethargy, and difficulty breathing...  The Asthma Pump that you are talking about... Is an "Incetive Spirometer"  which is a device that strengthens lung capacity  or is it an "Inhaler" with aerosol medication inside of it???   This is important to know. If your son has Asthma attacks that cause him to wheeze or stop breathing, you need to use this rescue inhaler (if that's what you have) immediately to save him.  I am sure you have seen inhalers before and know what they look like... is this the same? or is it something different?  does it involve medication in anyway (alot of new respiratory type medications have wacky dispensers that do funky things). You need to know what you have, and how to properly use it.

As I said earlier, I would love to help you... but I need more info... Can you read your discharge papers from the hospital and email me... click on my profile and email me.

Answer 5

I would demand answers if I were you. You are his mother and have the right to know whats wrong with your baby.  

Answer 6

It sounds like he has some sort of respiratory infection - at least that would explain the fever and asthma pump. Respiratory distress is when a person isn't breathing well, like having a tough time. This can happen when you're really congested with an infection. I would definitely consider changing doctors, that is ridiculous that they didn't explain anything.

I hope your baby feels better soon.