Respiratory distress syndrome of the newborn is a medical condition that occurs mainly in premature babies. It is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. However, there are several other terms used to describe this condition, such as hyaline membrane disease, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, and surfactant deficiency disorder. Hyaline membrane disease is a term used to describe the abnormal accumulation of protein in the lungs that impairs breathing. Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome is a term used to describe difficulty in breathing that occurs shortly after birth, while surfactant deficiency disorder refers to a lack of a substance known as surfactant that helps the lungs stay expanded. Understanding these terms is essential for proper diagnosis and effective medical intervention.