Emphysema Research Paper
EMPHYSEMA
(CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE
PULMONARY DISEASE)
EMPHYSEMA -is a condition of the lung characterized by abnormal, permanent enlargement of the airspaces distal to the terminal bronchiole, accompanied by destruction of their walls. This over-inflation results from a breakdown of the walls of the alveoli, which causes a decrease in respiratory function and breathlessness. In emphysema, the lungs loose elasticity and are unable to fully expand and contract. This occurs because the air sacs cannot completely deflate, thus unable to fill with fresh air for adequate ventilation. Emphysema in children is usually caused by congenital abnormalities of the lung and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.In emphysema, the patient can breathe in but breathing out is difficult and inefficient. The seriousness of emphysema varies greatly. Some persons with emphysema never reach a stage of incapacity and go through life with relatively little …show more content…
Exacerbations of emphysema can be serious, even life threatening. They can occur when a person has Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), including emphysema, and his or her symptoms get worse very quickly. Exacerbations of emphysema can be triggered by infections such as colds or the flu. Being around lung irritants such as air pollution, dusts, fumes or smoke can also trigger an exacerbation. Other medical conditions, such as heart problems or infection elsewhere in the body, can make breathing problems worse. You may cough up more mucus than usual, or mucus that is a different color than usual. Exacerbations of emphysema need to be treated as soon as possible. You may also cough up more than usual or mucus that is a different color than normal or increasing trouble breathing that would be a sign of an infection and a decrease exercise tolerance due to shortness of breath during the exercise may be seen in
(CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE
PULMONARY DISEASE)
EMPHYSEMA -is a condition of the lung characterized by abnormal, permanent enlargement of the airspaces distal to the terminal bronchiole, accompanied by destruction of their walls. This over-inflation results from a breakdown of the walls of the alveoli, which causes a decrease in respiratory function and breathlessness. In emphysema, the lungs loose elasticity and are unable to fully expand and contract. This occurs because the air sacs cannot completely deflate, thus unable to fill with fresh air for adequate ventilation. Emphysema in children is usually caused by congenital abnormalities of the lung and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.In emphysema, the patient can breathe in but breathing out is difficult and inefficient. The seriousness of emphysema varies greatly. Some persons with emphysema never reach a stage of incapacity and go through life with relatively little …show more content…
Exacerbations of emphysema can be serious, even life threatening. They can occur when a person has Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), including emphysema, and his or her symptoms get worse very quickly. Exacerbations of emphysema can be triggered by infections such as colds or the flu. Being around lung irritants such as air pollution, dusts, fumes or smoke can also trigger an exacerbation. Other medical conditions, such as heart problems or infection elsewhere in the body, can make breathing problems worse. You may cough up more mucus than usual, or mucus that is a different color than usual. Exacerbations of emphysema need to be treated as soon as possible. You may also cough up more than usual or mucus that is a different color than normal or increasing trouble breathing that would be a sign of an infection and a decrease exercise tolerance due to shortness of breath during the exercise may be seen in