Overview of perinatal respiratory disorders

[Justin Bieber]

Extensive physiologic changes accompany the birth process (see also Neonatal Pulmonary Function), sometimes unmasking conditions that posed no problem during intrauterine life. For that reason, a person with neonatal resuscitation skills must attend each birth. Gestational age and growth parameters help identify the risk of neonatal pathology.
Respiratory problems in neonates include

Apnea of prematurity
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Meconium aspiration syndrome
Persistent pulmonary hypertension
Pulmonary air-leak syndromes
Respiratory distress syndrome
Transient tachypnea

Symptoms and signs of respiratory distress vary and include the following:

Grunting
Nasal flaring
Intercostal, subcostal, and suprasternal retractions
Weak breathing, irregular breathing, or a combination
Tachypnea and apneic spells
Cyanosis, pallor, mottling, delayed capillary refill, or a combination
Hypotension

In neonates, symptoms and signs may be apparent immediately on delivery or develop minutes or hours afterward.