What are characteristics of emphysema?

Answer 1

1. Emphysema is defined as a lung disorder resulting in reduction of the lungs' ability of expelling air. This function of the lung depends heavily on the elastic qualities or rubber-band like nature of our lungs. A person develops emphysema when the tiny airways or bronchioles of his lungs get damaged. The bronchioles remain joined with the alveoli or the grape-like structures present in the sacs of our lungs. Alveoli are the site of exchange between oxygen taken from air and carbon dioxide emitted from our body. Elastic qualities of our lungs reside within the tissues surrounding the alveoli. Some characteristics of the emphysema include Due to decrease in elasticity of the lungs, the lungs cannot contract as ably as before
2. Impaired lung contraction stops our alveoli from shrinking completely; this makes exhaling difficult for the patient.
3. As the patient cannot exhale properly, his next breath starts with some air in his lungs.
4. Presence of the old air does not allow the alveoli to take in enough amount of fresh air and this hampers the oxygen supply procedure to our body.
5. Emphysema patients might experience shortness of breath as a result of exertion; with progression of the disease the patient might also develop the symptom while resting.