Does respiratory distress syndrome only occur in premature babies or can it happen in older children too?

No: Respiratory distress syndrome (rds) is a term used to describe a specific clinical and radiographic presentation in newborn preterm infants. We now know that rds is due to surfactant deficiency in these infants. While infants and children may develop respiratory distress, the term rds is meant to apply strictly to this newborn condition.

Common in prematures: It is more common in premature babies due to deficiency of a chemical called surfactant . It may be seen in term babies as complication of other medical condition

NB of any gestation: While this is most common in premi newborns it is occasionally seen in full term or post term infants. Infants of diabetic mothers for some reason are more prone to this rare event. Features & treatment is the same.