Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - Q2 (emphysema)

Question 1

what emphysema - part one

Answer 1

Emphysema is a disease that is caused by long term exposure to irritating particles.

Emphysema results in the destruction of elastin and the alveoli burst resulting in large air spaces instead of normal smaller ones.

The loss of elastin causes the lungs to be constantly inflated and exhaling no loner occurs passively.

Question 2

common causes of emphysema

Answer 2

Emphysema can be caused by smoking (tobacco or marijuana), air pollution or chemical fumes

Question 3

symptoms of emphysema

Answer 3

Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest tightness and coughing.

Question 4

pathophysiological characteristics of emphysema (1)

Answer 4

The pathophysiological characteristics of emphysema results in the destruction of the alveoli. The alveoli lose their elasticity and are replaced with fibrous tissue.

Question 5

prevention of emphysema

Answer 5

To prevent developing emphysema…

• do not smoke
• avoid second-hand smoke
• wear a mask for the protection of the lungs if surrounded by chemical fumes

Question 6

treatments of emphysema

Answer 6

Treatment can include bronchodilators and inhaled steroids which relieve coughing, shortness of breath and reduce inflammation by relaxing barricaded airways.

Question 7

prevalence of emphysema

Answer 7

In Australia, an estimated 464,000 individuals aged 45 or over were diagnosed with emphysema.

Question 8

pathophysiological characteristics of emphysema (2)

Answer 8

This results in alveoli rupturing resulting in large spaces. This makes it more difficult for gaseous exchange to occur efficiently due to a reduction in the surface area.

Question 9

pathophysiological characteristics of emphysema (3)

Answer 9

The loss of elastin results in the airway of alveoli collapsing because without elastin to hold it open the pressure in the chest cavity destroys it.