The respiratory system is responsible for gaseous exchange in the body. This is the process by which respiratory gases are transported in the body. The lungs are the main organs that are responsible for the process. Gaseous exchange occurs in the lobules, which consist of pulmonary capillaries, bronchioles, and alveoli. Alveolar cells are classified into type one, the thin squamous, used in gaseous exchange, and type two, the cuboidal ones for surfactant production and serve as progenitor cells. There are four surfactants, SP-B and SP-C, for surface tension, and SP-A and SP- D are proteins used in immune and inflammatory responses (Iheanacho et al., 2020). Lung compliance determines to what extent they inflate and is controlled by the surface tension of the lungs, water content, chest wall, and elastic and collagen fibers.
Tabitha has infant respiratory distress syndrome, which results from insufficient or lack of surfactant factor that coats the inner layers of the alveoli. Its primary purpose is to keep the lungs open for breathing till the birth of the baby. Its absence or insufficiency will lead to thickening and inflammation of the alveoli, leading to the collapse of the lungs during exhalation (Dyer, 2019). This leads to compromised breathing and limited oxygen supply to the brain and body tissues.
Emphysema is an obstructive disease of the lungs caused by a lack of elasticity. This effect leads to overstretching and breaking of the alveolar walls, causing a reduction of gaseous exchange in the surface area. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a form of emphysema that may result in lung infection as it destroys enzymes produced by the white blood cells (Argano et al., 2021). This makes the lungs to be at risk of disease and damage. Emphysema impedes airflow to the bronchi and trachea, leading to compromised breathing.
Jenny has pulmonary fibrosis, which is a restrictive condition of the lungs that increases lung stiffness. Fibrosis is scarring caused by unresolved chronic inflammatory disease (Iheanacho et al., 2020). If the typical structure of the lungs is not restored, the breathing is compromised, leading to heavy breathing. The process of fibrosis is sometimes part of the healing, but if it fails to be complete, the pulmonary vessels’ functions are impaired.
References
Argano, C., Scichilone, N., Natoli, G., Nobili, A., Corazza, G. R., Mannucci, P. M., Perticone, F., & Corrao, S. (2021). Pattern of comorbidities and 1-year mortality in elderly patients with COPD hospitalized in internal medicine wards: Data from the RePoSI Registry. Internal and Emergency Medicine, 16(2), 389-400. Web.
Dyer, J. (2019). Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome: Tackling a worldwide problem. Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 44(1), 12-15.
Iheanacho, I., Zhang, S., King, D., Rizzo, M., & Ismaila, A. S. (2020). Economic burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A systematic literature review. International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, 15, 439-445. Web.