Final answer:
The most common cause of pathologic pulmonary insufficiency is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Step-by-step explanation:
Pathologic Pulmonary Insufficiency
The most common cause of pathologic pulmonary insufficiency is
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
. COPD is a lung disease characterized by chronic poor airflow, which causes shortness of breath and a productive cough. It is caused most often by tobacco smoking, which leads to the breakdown of connective tissues in the lungs. Alveoli are reduced in number and elasticity, making it impossible to fully exhale air from the lungs. While there are other causes of pathologic pulmonary insufficiency like carcinoid heart disease, infective endocarditis, and rheumatic heart disease, COPD is the most common cause.