National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) Practice Test

Which of these is characteristic of respiratory distress syndrome?

1. Due to viral infection

2. Due to an alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency

3. Due to asthma exacerbation

4. Due to pneumonia

The correct answer is: Due to an alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency

Respiratory distress syndrome is most commonly associated with a deficiency in surfactant, which leads to alveolar collapse and impaired gas exchange, primarily seen in premature infants. However, the idiopathic or congenital form can also be influenced by genetic deficiencies, such as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, which affects lung function because this protein plays a role in protecting lung tissue from damage caused by enzymes released by inflammatory cells. While respiratory distress can arise from various causes including viral infections, asthma exacerbations, and pneumonia, these are typically not the defining characteristics of the syndrome itself. The important aspect of alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency is its role in the pathophysiology of lung diseases, contributing to a specific syndrome related to the body's inability to control inflammation effectively. This makes it more closely tied to the chronic aspects of respiratory distress rather than acute presentations seen in the other options.