Menu Healthy Lifestyle Diseases & Conditions First Aid Symptoms Tests & Procedures Videos Definitions FAQs Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS)Updated: 2017-06-13OverviewNRDS is more common in premature infants born about six weeks or more before their due dates. It usually develops within the first 24 hours after birth. SymptomsSymptoms include rapid, shallow breathing and sharp pulling in of the chest below and between the ribs with each breath. TreatmentsTreatment includes surfactant replacement therapy, breathing support, and oxygen therapy. © 1998-2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research(MFMER). All rights reserved. Terms of Use