Which condition could exacerbate positional asphyxia?

Positional asphyxia occurs when a person's position restricts their ability to breathe adequately, leading to insufficient oxygen intake and potentially life-threatening situations. The correct answer highlights the condition of chronic lung disease as a factor that can exacerbate positional asphyxia. Individuals with chronic lung disease already have compromised respiratory systems, which means they may struggle to breathe effectively even under normal circumstances. When these individuals assume certain positions, such as being lying down or in a constrained area, their ability to ventilate becomes even more impaired. This compromised respiratory function can lead to a rapid decline in oxygenation and increased risk of asphyxia.

In contrast, the other conditions listed — being a well-conditioned athlete, having optimal body weight, and being a non-smoker — generally indicate better respiratory function and overall health. Athletes typically have stronger respiratory systems and a higher capacity for oxygen intake, while optimal body weight is often associated with reduced strain on the respiratory system. Non-smokers are less likely to suffer from respiratory issues compared to smokers. Therefore, these factors are not likely to exacerbate positional asphyxia in the way that chronic lung disease does.