Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a serious condition that affects breathing, primarily in newborns. It occurs when the lungs are not fully developed, leading to insufficient production of a substance called surfactant, which helps keep the air sacs in the lungs open. This can result in difficulty breathing, low oxygen levels, and increased effort to breathe. There are two main types of RDS: hyaline membrane disease, which is common in premature infants, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which can affect adults due to various causes like pneumonia or trauma. Treatment often involves providing oxygen and, in some cases, administering surfactant therapy.