Question

What is the slow process of dilation and disruption of the airways and alveoli caused by chronic bronchial obstruction?

1) Asthma
2) Emphysema
3) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
4) Bronchitis

Answer 1

The slow process described is known as emphysema, which is a form of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and involves irreversible damage to the lungs.

Step-by-step explanation:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

The slow process of dilation and disruption of the airways and alveoli caused by chronic bronchial obstruction is known as emphysema, which is a type of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). In emphysema, primarily resulting from tobacco smoking, the alveolar walls are destroyed, which decreases the surface area for gas exchange and increases the overall compliance of the lungs. This leads to decreased lung elastic recoil, loss of elastic fibers, and trapping of more air in the lungs at the end of exhalation. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the two main conditions that make up COPD. Unlike asthma, which is characterized by reversible inflammation and narrowing of the airways, emphysema involves irreversible damage to the lungs.

Answer 2

The process in question is known as emphysema, a condition where smoking usually causes damage to alveolar walls, reducing the surface area for gas exchange and trapping air in the lungs.

Step-by-step explanation:

The slow process of dilation and disruption of the airways and alveoli caused by chronic bronchial obstruction is known as emphysema. Emphysema primarily results from smoking tobacco and leads to the destruction of the walls of the alveoli which decreases the surface area for gas exchange.

Furthermore, the lung's elastic recoil decreases due to a loss of elastic fibers, causing more air to be trapped in the lungs at the end of exhalation. This differs from asthma, which involves airway inflammation and obstruction due to environmental factors, and is characterized by bronchospasms, excess mucus secretion and airway edema. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which encapsulates conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is distinguished by a breakdown of alveolar walls, reducing the elasticity and surface area for gas exchange, leading to trapped air in the lungs post-exhalation and poor airflow over the long term.