Final answer:
Pulmonary hypoplasia is caused by conditions like severe oligohydramnios, leading to underdeveloped lungs that can be potentially fatal. Respiratory Distress Syndrome also affects premature babies due to insufficient pulmonary surfactant, and congenital heart defects like Patent Ductus Arteriosus can complicate lung function.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pulmonary hypoplasia is an abnormality caused by any condition that occupies space in the chest or causes a prolonged severe decrease in amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios), resulting in incompletely developed lungs. Oligohydramnios can cause a range of complications, including contractures of the limbs, clubbing of the feet and hands, and the potentially fatal condition of hypoplastic lungs. Hypoplastic lungs, which are small and underdeveloped, can result in the baby suffering from respiratory distress immediately after birth.
Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)
Respiratory Distress Syndrome is another condition that affects premature infants due to insufficient production of pulmonary surfactant needed for proper lung inflation. This can result in Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), characterized by difficulty in breathing (dyspnea), low oxygen levels, and high carbon dioxide levels in the blood.
Related Conditions
Conditions such as Patent Ductus Arteriosus and spontaneous pneumothorax can also impact lung function. Patent Ductus Arteriosus is a congenital heart defect where the ductus arteriosus fails to close after birth, potentially leading to increased pulmonary pressure and difficult respiration.