Which of the following can lead to respiratory distress?

Which of the following can lead to respiratory distress?

• A. Decreased oxygen supply to the lungs.
• B. Increased thoracic pressure.
• C. Severe dehydration.
• D. High blood pressure.

Answer: (B)

Increased thoracic pressure is a significant factor that can lead to respiratory distress. When thoracic pressure rises, it can interfere with the mechanics of breathing by making it more difficult for the lungs to expand fully. This can happen in various scenarios, such as in cases of tension pneumothorax, where air trapped in the pleural space increases pressure and compromises lung function. Additionally, conditions such as certain injuries or obesity can also increase thoracic pressure, further contributing to the challenge of maintaining adequate ventilation and gas exchange, leading to respiratory distress. In contrast, while decreased oxygen supply to the lungs can be serious, it does not directly imply an obstruction or difficulty in the mechanics of breathing, and severe dehydration primarily affects fluid balance rather than directly impacting the respiratory system. High blood pressure, while it has its own set of complications, does not directly cause respiratory distress in the same way that increased thoracic pressure does. Thus, the correct choice highlights a direct physiological impact on the ability to breathe effectively.

Increased thoracic pressure is a significant factor that can lead to respiratory distress. When thoracic pressure rises, it can interfere with the mechanics of breathing by making it more difficult for the lungs to expand fully. This can happen in various scenarios, such as in cases of tension pneumothorax, where air trapped in the pleural space increases pressure and compromises lung function. Additionally, conditions such as certain injuries or obesity can also increase thoracic pressure, further contributing to the challenge of maintaining adequate ventilation and gas exchange, leading to respiratory distress.

In contrast, while decreased oxygen supply to the lungs can be serious, it does not directly imply an obstruction or difficulty in the mechanics of breathing, and severe dehydration primarily affects fluid balance rather than directly impacting the respiratory system. High blood pressure, while it has its own set of complications, does not directly cause respiratory distress in the same way that increased thoracic pressure does. Thus, the correct choice highlights a direct physiological impact on the ability to breathe effectively.