The low levels of surfactant produced by the alveolar epithelium cause:

Explanation

The key feature of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is the insufficient production of surfactant in the lungs.Emphysema is a lung condition that causes shortness of breath. In people with emphysema, the air sacs in the lungs (alveoli) are damaged. Over time, the inner walls of the air sacs weaken and rupture - creating larger air spaces instead of many small ones.Bronchitis is an infection of the main airways of the lungs (bronchi), causing them to become irritated and inflamed.Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and may produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing.