Common terms - R

• Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)
• Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

RDS:

Respiratory Distress Syndrome

RDS is a breathing problems that some babies develop. It occurs because of a lack of the substance surfactant in the lungs. Babies can receive replacement surfactant but often still need additional oxygen and help from a ventilator with breathing.

ROP:

Retinopathy Of Prematurity

ROP is an eye problem that can develop in babies born prematurely. Babies born before 32 weeks gestation, or who have a birth weight below 1500g, have regular checks for ROP. Screening starts at around 6 weeks of age and is carried out by one of the ophthalmologists (eye doctors). ROP becomes less common as the baby matures. It is rarely seen as a new problem after about 36 weeks' corrected age. Screening will continue until the ophthalmologists are happy that the blood vessels on the back of the eye (retina) have finished developing and look normal.

In those who develop ROP, most get better with no treatment. Occasionally the condition needs to be treated using laser.

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus)

RSV is a virus, which is common in the winter months and causes breathing problems in babies - particularly bronchiolitis, croup and pneumonia.