Question

When the lungs are constantly obstructed or when the "balloons" elasticity is diminished, air is no longer expelled rapidly and the walls of the alveoli eventually fall apart, leaving large "holes" in the lung that resemble a large air pocket or cavity. What happens when the lungs are constantly obstructed or when the "balloons" elasticity is diminished?

Answer 1

Obstructive diseases like emphysema and asthma can lead to the formation of large air pockets or holes in the lungs when they are constantly obstructed or have reduced elasticity.

Step-by-step explanation:

Obstructive diseases and conditions such as emphysema and asthma can lead to lungs being constantly obstructed or reduced elasticity. In emphysema, smoking tobacco can destroy the walls of the alveoli, reducing the surface area for gas exchange and causing the lung elastic recoil to decrease. This results in more air being trapped in the lungs and large air pockets or cavities forming. In asthma, inflammation obstructs the airways, which can be due to factors like fluid accumulation, muscle spasms, increased mucus secretion, or damage to the airway epithelia. All of these events increase occlusion and block the movement of gases, resulting in the formation of large holes or air pockets in the lungs.