Surfactant therapy is a medical treatment used primarily for newborns with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), a condition often seen in premature infants. This therapy involves administering a substance called surfactant, which helps reduce surface tension in the lungs, making it easier for the baby to breathe. Surfactant is naturally produced in the lungs and is crucial for keeping the air sacs, or alveoli, open. The therapy is typically delivered through a breathing tube inserted into the baby's windpipe. It can significantly improve lung function and oxygen levels, reducing the risk of complications associated with RDS. Surfactant therapy has been a vital advancement in neonatal care, improving survival rates for premature infants.