Final answer:
An acute asthma attack and emphysema are both obstructive lung diseases, but they have some differences. Asthma is characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, while emphysema is caused by the destruction of lung tissue, primarily as a result of smoking.
Step-by-step explanation:
An acute asthma attack and emphysema are both obstructive lung diseases, but they have some differences. One similarity is that they both affect lung capacity. In both conditions, the airways are obstructed, causing a reduction in lung function. However, the underlying causes and the specific changes in the lungs are different.
Asthma is a condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, often triggered by environmental factors. On the other hand, emphysema is caused by the destruction of lung tissue, particularly the alveoli, which reduces the surface area available for gas exchange. This destruction is primarily caused by smoking.