Emphysema Exam Study Guide Complete
Overview
Chronic airflow obstruction disease characterized by permanent enlargement of air spaces distal to the terminal bronchioles and destruction of alveolar walls (without fibrosis) with accompanying exertional dyspnea
One of several diseases usual...
Chronic airflow obstruction disease characterized by permanent enlargement of air spaces
distal to the terminal bronchioles and destruction of alveolar walls (without fibrosis) with
accompanying exertional dyspnea
One of several diseases usually labeled collectively as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
or chronic obstructive lung disease
Three morphologic types:
centriacinar (also known as centrilobular)—the most common type of emphysema, begins in
respiratory bronchioles and spreads peripherally
pan acinar—destroys the entire alveolus uniformly, most commonly in the lower portion of the
lungs
paraseptal (also known as distal acinar)—involves the distal airway structures, alveolar ducts,
and alveolar sacs
Pathophysiology
Exposure to a noxious stimulus leads to recurrent inflammation associated with the release of
proteolytic enzymes from lung cells, which causes abnormal, irreversible enlargement of the air
spaces distal to the terminal bronchioles.
Amount of alveolar surface area available for gas exchange decreases.
This enlargement leads to the destruction of alveolar walls in the distal or terminal airways, which
results in a breakdown of elasticity. Elastic recoil is reduced, limiting airflow. (See What happens
in emphysema.)
Supporting alveolar structures are lost, leading to narrowing of the airway, which further limits
airflow. The airways and lung parenchyma are involved.
These changes result in impaired carbon dioxide and oxygen
exchange. Causes
• Cigarette smoking (the most common cause)
• Cigar and pipe smoking
• Marijuana smoke
• Passive smoke
• Air pollution
• Genetic deficiency of alpha1-
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