What is a common treatment for respiratory distress syndrome in neonates?

In the management of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in neonates, surfactant therapy is a common and effective treatment. RDS occurs primarily due to a deficiency of surfactant, a substance produced by the lungs that reduces surface tension in the alveoli, thereby preventing collapse and allowing for easier lung expansion during breathing.

Surfactant therapy directly addresses the underlying cause of RDS by supplementing the deficient surfactant in the lungs of the affected neonate. This therapy significantly improves lung function, enhances oxygenation, and decreases the work of breathing, leading to better overall outcomes for infants suffering from this condition.

Other treatments, such as oxygen therapy, may also be used to support neonates with RDS but do not directly alter the disease process. While antibiotics and inhaled steroids can be important in managing other respiratory conditions, they play a minimal role in the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome specifically.