Lung disease

Question 1

What is emphysema?

Answer 1

A disease caused by smoking or air pollution when dirt or bacteria become trapped in the alveoli which damages its walls.

Question 2

How does the presence of dirt in the lungs cause?

Answer 2

The presence of this dirt in the lungs can cause an
an inflammatory response that leads to white blood cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils, localising at the alveoli to try and remove bacteria or other particles.

Question 3

What is the effect of an immune response when dirt enters the lungs?

Answer 3

• The immune system may break down the single cell lining of the alveoli or may release reactive oxygen species to target the pathogens.
• This immune response damages the alveolar structure and reduces the surface area to volume ratio.
• This means that gas exchange in the lungs is less efficient and this causes shortness of breath in daily activity.