How do they know it is hyaline membrane disease vs. some other kind of breathing disorder?

Dx based on pattern: This is conidered a pattern illness.The name hmd came from the hyaline membrane found on microscopic examination of lung tissue from infants with this illness.The DX is considered if a pattern of xray, oxygen need & prematurity make it likely. Antibiotics are often started just in case a pneumonia is acting like hmd. You often know more after you finish rx, not treating can result in disaster.

Clinical acumen: Making a diagnosis is one of the most important things that physicians do. With respect to hmd (hyalin membrane disease), there are certain factors that help the clinician make a diagnosis (or exclude others): situational awareness regarding birth history and risk factors like prematurity, examination findings, laboratory and chest xray findings. At times, this can be difficult, but often not.