Final answer:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) causes air trapping in the lungs due to damaged alveolar walls, leading to decreased gas exchange and increased risk for respiratory infections. The increased lung volumes result in shortness of breath, especially on exertion, and can cause severe complications. Treatment includes supplemental oxygen and bronchodilators, with lung transplantation as a severe case option.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), there is an increase in air trapping due to the breakdown of alveolar walls and loss of elasticity in the lungs. This condition predominantly stems from smoking tobacco. The trapped air after exhalation leads to increased lung volumes as patients try to compensate for their reduced airway function. This air trapping predisposes individuals to several complications, including decreased gas exchange, leading to low oxygen levels and excess carbon dioxide in the blood. The patients may experience severe shortness of breath, especially during physical activity, and are at higher risk for respiratory infections and hospital admissions.
Due to the increased compliance and diminished elastic recoil in the lungs, there is a significant impact on the overall lung function. Treatments for those with COPD may include the use of supplemental oxygen and inhaled bronchodilators. These treatments can alleviate symptoms but cannot cure the underlying damage to the lung tissue. In severe cases, a lung transplantation might be considered as a last resort.
Moreover, inflammatory diseases like asthma can lead to increased airway obstruction through mechanisms such as bronchospasms, mucosal edema, and excessive mucus secretion. Just like emphysema, asthma involves inflammation and could further contribute to the difficulty in air movement within the lungs, aggravating COPD symptoms.