Which respiratory condition is commonly seen in preterm infants due to surfactant deficiency?

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a common respiratory condition seen in preterm infants primarily due to surfactant deficiency. Surfactant is a substance that reduces surface tension in the alveoli, helping keep them open and facilitating gas exchange. Preterm infants often have immature lungs that are unable to produce adequate surfactant, leading to significant breathing difficulties.

In RDS, the lack of surfactant causes the alveoli to collapse, which results in hypoxemia, increased work of breathing, and respiratory failure if not managed promptly. This condition typically manifests shortly after birth and can require interventions such as supplemental oxygen, mechanical ventilation, or the administration of exogenous surfactant to improve lung function.

While bronchopulmonary dysplasia, meconium aspiration syndrome, and pneumothorax are significant respiratory concerns in neonates, they have different etiologies and are not primarily linked to surfactant deficiency. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is more associated with injury from mechanical ventilation and oxygen toxicity rather than a direct result of surfactant deficiency occurring at birth. Meconium aspiration syndrome involves airway obstruction due to meconium-stained amniotic fluid rather than surfactant issues, and pneumothor