Which condition is characterized by a lack of surfactant in the lungs, especially in infants?

The correct answer is respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), which is particularly prevalent in premature infants. This condition arises from insufficient production of pulmonary surfactant, a substance that reduces surface tension within the alveoli in the lungs. Surfactant plays a critical role in maintaining the stability of these air sacs; without it, the alveoli can collapse, making it difficult for the infant to breathe and leading to hypoxemia and respiratory failure.

In the case of RDS, the lack of surfactant is typically due to immaturity of the lungs, which is common in premature babies born before 34 weeks of gestation. The diagnosis often involves clinical signs of respiratory distress, and it can be confirmed through imaging and other assessments showing characteristic lung findings.

While acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is also associated with surfactant dysfunction, it typically occurs in adults and can be triggered by various factors such as infections or trauma rather than being a primary issue of surfactant deficiency like in RDS. Bronchiolitis is a viral infection particularly affecting the small airways in infants and doesn't primarily involve surfactant issues. Mononucleosis is a viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, unrelated to surfactant production or respiratory