Question

Describe the changes in the alveoli in emphysema and explain how these relate to the signs and symptoms of the disease.

Answer 1

Emphysema comes under the category of COPD ( Obstructive pulmonary disease)

Basic character of COPD:

*FEV1/FEV is less than 70%

1. TLC and RV increases

2. Expiration becomes difficult

3. the breathing curve curve shifts to left and there is abnormality in the second phase of expiration

Emphysema:

Emphysema are of two types which basically cause destruction of the alveolar wall and reduces the surface of diffusion.therefore the elastic fibres decrease and the complaince of the lung increase, so ther is no problem with inspiration, but there is difficulty in expiration due to loss of elastic fibres and alveloar septa and find it difficult to prevent the collapse of alveoli.

Signs and symptomps:

1.barrel shaped chest( Due to failure of recoil due to destruction of elastic fibres

2.Dyspnea (Due to reduce in surafe area of gaseous absorption due to wall damage)

3.Peripheral cyanosis (Due to Cyanosis)

4. Mucus production

5. Wheezin ( Due to airflow restriction)

6.Pursed lip breathing ( Physiological phenomina to evacuate air during expiration by creatin pressure)

Please leave a rating.