In: Anatomy and Physiology
In regards to the respiratory system, research one of the following system afflictions:
-Emphysema
-Cystic fibrosis -
Asthma-
Pneumonia
Write a detailed summary of this affliction. In your summary, be sure to include the following:-What causes the affliction?-How prevalent is this affliction?-Are certain individuals more susceptible to the affliction than others?
I am discussing Emphysema.
Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In this disease, there is permanent dilatation of airways distal to the terminal bronchioles followed by destruction of wall of air spaces. There is no fibrosis.
The main pathology behind this disease is loss of elastic recoil of lungs
There are 4 types of emphysema-
1. Centrilobar - in this, the centre of acinus is involved. It is most common among the 4 types. Main etiology is SMOKING. Predominantly upper lobe of lung is affected.
2. Panacinar- in this type, the entire acinus is involved. It is seen in young non-smokers. It is a autosomal recessive disorder in which there is deficiency of alpha 1 antitrysin. Lower lobe is affected more.
3. Paraseptal- It is commonly seen in young males. It affects pleura and margins of lobules. In this type,there is increased risk of spontaneous pneumothorax.
4. Irregular - in this type, there is no regular pattern seen.
Individuals who smoke are most susceptible to develop emphysema. Smoking and inhaled pollutants cause ongoing accumulation of inflammatory cells, releasing elastases and oxidants, which destroy the alveolar wall.
Clinical features are dyspnea, cough, increased work of breathing, hyper inflated lungs .