Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS), formerly known as hyaline membrane disease, is a life-threatening lung disorder that results from underdeveloped lungs and insufficient pulmonary surfactant. It occurs most commonly in preterm infants and results in inadequate lung inflation and collapse. Management involves providing warm oxygen supplementation and potentially ventilator support. Surfactant replacement therapy is also used to reduce mortality and complications like bronchopulmonary dysplasia. With appropriate treatment, prognosis is good especially for infants weighing over 1000 grams.