Respiratory distress syndrome is observed within 1 to 6 hours of birth and characterized by rapid grunting respiration, cyanosis, and retraction of the intercostal muscles upon the infant taking a breath. It can be either of pulmonary or extrapulmonary causes. The most common cause is hyaline membrane disease which occurs in preterm infants. Other causes are: inhalation of clear fluid or meconium, pneumothorax, and pneumonia.