The effects of emphysema on lung function

Question 1

Symptoms of emphysema?

Answer 1

• Chronic cough
• Shortness of breath
• Bluish skin

Question 2

Cause of chronic cough?

Answer 2

• Trying to cough up damaged lung tissue

- Trying to remove mucus that cannot be wafted up, as cilia that line bronchi and bronchioles have been destroyed

Question 3

Cause of shortness of breath?

Answer 3

• Poor gas exchange caused by elastin being permanently stretched, so don’t repel air out efficiently
• Surface area reduced and alveoli may burst
• Patient tries to compensate for less oxygen in blood by breathing more rapidly

Question 4

Cause of bluish skin?

Answer 4

• Reduced oxygen in blood as a result of poor gas diffusion

- Caused by reduced surface area (collapsed / burst alveoli), permanently stretched elastin, damaged tissue

Question 5

What are the risk factors for emphysema?

Answer 5

1) Smoking