Two-week-old Tabitha has infant respiratory distress syndrome

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Two-week-old Tabitha has infant respiratory distress syndrome. Eighty-year-old Anthony has emphysema, and 50-year-old Jenny has pulmonary fibrosis.

Why are the mechanics of breathing greatly compromised in all of these cases?
Must be at least 250 words. Please provide 3 peer-reviewed references within the last 5 years (no Wikipedia) and they must be in APA format. Also, please ensure that the references are relevant to the topic and that they are the actual references used. Thank you

 

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Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in infants, emphysema in the elderly, and pulmonary fibrosis in adults share a commonality: they all significantly compromise the mechanics of breathing. Let’s delve into the underlying mechanisms for each condition.

Infant Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)

RDS is a respiratory disorder that affects premature infants, primarily those born before 32 weeks of gestation. The primary cause of RDS is a deficiency of surfactant, a substance that coats the alveoli in the lungs and helps to reduce surface tension, allowing them to expand and contract with each breath. Without sufficient surfactant, the alveoli collapse, making it difficult for infants to breathe.

Emphysema

Emphysema is a chronic lung disease characterized by the destruction of the alveoli. This destruction leads to a decrease in the surface area available for gas exchange, making it more difficult for individuals to get enough oxygen into their bloodstream. Over time, the lungs become less elastic, making it harder to exhale air.

Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disease characterized by the scarring of lung tissue. This scarring can thicken the walls of the alveoli, making it difficult for oxygen to diffuse into the bloodstream. Additionally, the scarring can reduce lung elasticity, making it harder to breathe.

Common Mechanisms of Impaired Breathing

  1. Alveolar Collapse: In RDS and emphysema, the alveoli collapse, reducing the surface area available for gas exchange. This leads to decreased oxygen uptake and increased carbon dioxide retention.
  2. Decreased Lung Elasticity: Both emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis can lead to a decrease in lung elasticity, making it harder to inhale and exhale. This can result in increased work of breathing and respiratory distress.
  3. Airway Obstruction: While not as prominent in these conditions, airway obstruction can also contribute to impaired breathing. For example, in some cases of emphysema, airway collapse can occur.

References:

  1. American Lung Association. (2019). Emphysema. https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/copd  
  2. National Institutes of Health. (2023). Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560779/
  3. National Institutes of Health. (2023). Pulmonary Fibrosis.

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