Final answer:
Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) affects primarily premature infants due to insufficient pulmonary surfactant, leading to significant breathing difficulties. Environmental factors, such as smoking, can worsen RDS, increase respiratory infections, and lead to other health complications. Preventative actions, including smoking cessation, are critical for managing risks associated with RDS and other lung diseases.
Step-by-step explanation:
Respiratory Distress Syndrome and Related Health Risks
Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a serious condition that principally affects premature infants. It is caused by a deficiency in pulmonary surfactant, which is essential for lung inflation at birth. Without enough surfactant, the alveoli cannot stay open, leading to difficulty breathing (dyspnea), reduced oxygen levels in the blood, and elevated blood carbon dioxide levels. This can result in a high respiratory quotient (RQ), indicating a disturbance in the gas exchange process.
Exposure to certain environmental factors, like cigarette smoke, can aggravate lung diseases and increase the susceptibility to respiratory infections. In individuals with pre-existing conditions like RDS, such exposures can exacerbate their symptoms, potentially leading to more frequent hospital admissions and emergency department (ED) visits. In severe cases, especially when infections like diphtheria spread, damage to heart tissue (myocarditis) or nerve damage can occur, further complicating respiratory function.
Preventative measures like avoiding smoking can help decrease the risk of developing chronic respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer, as well as mitigate the risks associated with RDS. Healthcare providers may encourage lifestyle changes and interventions to reduce these risks and improve the overall prognosis of individuals with RDS or other restrictive lung diseases.