Question

Which statement describes emphysema?

a) A disease of the airways characterized by the destruction of the walls of overdistended alveoli.
b) A disease that results in reversible airflow obstruction, a common clinical outcome.
c) Presence of cough and sputum production for at least a combined total of 2 to 3 months in each of two consecutive years.
d) Chronic dilatation of a bronchus or bronchi.

Answer 1

Emphysema is characterized by the destruction of the walls of the alveoli, leading to decreased surface area for gas exchange and trapped air in the lungs after exhalation, typically caused by smoking.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement that describes emphysema is: a) A disease of the airways characterized by the destruction of the walls of overdistended alveoli. Emphysema is a chronic lung disease that is most commonly caused by cigarette smoking. It involves the breakdown of lung tissue, particularly the walls of the alveoli which are crucial for gas exchange. When these walls are destroyed, there is a decrease in the lung surface area available for gas exchange, and an increase in the overall compliance of the lungs. This results in a decreased elastic recoil and consequently, more air is trapped in the lungs at the end of exhalation, leading to shortness of breath and a chronic cough.