Final answer:
Respiratory problems fundamentally disrupt normal breathing and gas exchange due to factors such as pathogens, pollution, and smoking. Diseases like the common cold, asthma, and bronchitis each have different triggers, ranging from viral infections to environmental factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The core issue with every respiratory problem is the disruption of normal breathing function, which directly affects the gas exchange process within the lungs. Respiratory diseases can be triggered by various factors, including pathogens such as bacteria and viruses, environmental pollution, and behaviors like smoking. For example, the common cold is generally caused by viruses, while asthma can be exacerbated by poor air quality and allergens. Bronchitis involves the inflammation of the bronchial tubes and can be triggered by infection or persistent irritation from smoking or air pollution. Tuberculosis, on the other hand, is a bacterial infection that affects the lungs. It's important to note that some respiratory conditions, like respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in premature infants, result from the insufficient production of pulmonary surfactant, hampering proper lung function from birth