How does emphysema affect a alveoli?

Emphysema, a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), primarily affects the alveoli, which are the tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs. Here's how emphysema damages the alveoli:

Destruction of Alveolar Walls:

- Emphysema causes the progressive destruction and breakdown of the alveolar walls, leading to a loss of the delicate structure that facilitates efficient gas exchange.

Enlargement of Air Spaces:

- The damaged alveolar walls rupture, causing adjacent alveoli to merge, resulting in the formation of larger air spaces called "bullae." These enlarged air spaces reduce the overall surface area available for gas exchange.

Loss of Elasticity:

- The destruction of the elastic fibers in the alveolar walls leads to a loss of lung elasticity. As a result, the lungs become less elastic and recoil, making it difficult to breathe.

Air Trapping:

- Due to the loss of elasticity, the airways become floppy, causing air to become trapped in the lungs during exhalation. This leads to hyperinflation, where the lungs are constantly over-expanded, making it challenging to exhale fully.

Impaired Gas Exchange:

- The combination of alveolar destruction, enlarged air spaces, and loss of elasticity severely impairs the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. The reduced surface area for gas exchange leads to decreased oxygen uptake and increased carbon dioxide levels in the bloodstream.

Shortness of Breath:

- The damage to the alveoli and the resulting impaired gas exchange cause shortness of breath, which is the primary symptom of emphysema. Patients experience increasing difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity.

Chronic Cough and Sputum Production:

- Emphysema often leads to chronic coughing, as the body attempts to clear excess mucus and inflammatory cells from the damaged airways. Sputum production may also occur due to the inflammation and irritation of the airways.

Reduced Exercise Tolerance:

- The limitations in gas exchange and shortness of breath significantly reduce an individual's ability to exercise or engage in physical activities without experiencing significant discomfort.

Respiratory Failure:

- In severe cases, emphysema can progress to respiratory failure, where the lungs are no longer able to meet the body's oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange requirements. This may require supplemental oxygen therapy or even mechanical ventilation.

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