Final answer:
The respiratory disorder characterized by enlarged alveoli and pulmonary fibrosis is emphysema, a form of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) caused by the breakdown of lung tissue, commonly due to smoking. It leads to decreased efficiency in gas exchange and trapped air in the alveoli.
Step-by-step explanation:
The respiratory disorder characterized by enlarged alveoli and pulmonary fibrosis is emphysema. This chronic lung disease is often caused by cigarette smoking, leading to the breakdown of lung tissue. The damage to the alveoli decreases gas exchange efficiency in the lungs, causing shortness of breath and chronic cough. The loss of the elastic fibers within the lung tissue decreases the lungs' ability to recoil, trapping more air in the lungs at the end of exhalation and leading to decreased surface area for gas exchange.
Emphysema, alongside chronic bronchitis, falls under the umbrella of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a progressive lung disease with no cure. Treatments and lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression. Additionally, exposure to air pollution can aggravate conditions such as emphysema, bronchitis, and asthma, making environmental factors a key contributor to respiratory system disorders.