Question

The medical term Emphysema literally means:

Answer 1

Emphysema is a chronic lung disease, often caused by smoking, that damages the alveoli, leading to shortness of breath and part of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Step-by-step explanation:

The medical term Emphysema refers to a chronic lung disease characterized by the breakdown of tissue within the lungs, specifically the walls of the alveoli. In emphysema, this destruction leads to a decrease in the surface area available for gas exchange, which is crucial for oxygenating the blood and removing carbon dioxide. Smoking is identified as the leading cause of emphysema, and the damage done to the alveoli, including the loss of elastic fibers, is irreversible. This results in symptoms such as shortness of breath, especially during physical activities, chronic cough, and wheezing. It is important to note that emphysema is one of the conditions that falls under the umbrella of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Answer 2

Emphysema is a chronic lung disease where the inner walls of the alveoli are damaged due to smoking, leading to impaired gas exchange and an inability to fully expel air from the lungs, resulting in symptoms like shortness of breath and chronic cough.

Step-by-step explanation:

Emphysema Definition

Emphysema is a chronic lung disease primarily caused by smoking, where there is damage to the alveoli which impairs the gas exchange. This condition is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a group of lung diseases that block airflow and make it difficult to breathe.

Pathophysiology of Emphysema

In emphysema, the inner walls of the alveoli are damaged, leading to a decreased surface area for gas exchange. The loss of lung tissue elasticity results in air trapping and reduced lung recoil, causing difficulty in expelling air from the lungs. Over time, these changes can lead to increased airway resistance and cause symptoms such as shortness of breath and chronic cough. Unfortunately, emphysema-induced damage is irreversible.

Factors Contributing to Emphysema

Smoking is the leading cause of emphysema as it contributes to the breakdown of alveolar walls and loss of their elastic fibers. Exposure to certain toxins and genetic factors can also increase the risk of developing emphysema.