Question

What is emphysema? What is its cause?

Answer 1

An abnormal accumulation of air in tissues, most commonly the lungs.

Answer 2

Answer:

i. It is a long-term disease of the lungs that causes shortness of breath.

ii. It is caused due to over-inflation of alveoli. People suffering from emphysema have impaired or destroyed alveoli.

iii. In this disease, air flow to lungs is reduced or stopped, hence it is called as obstructive lung disease.

iv. In this disease, alveoli are damaged, hence patient experiences difficulty in breathing.

v. This disease is included in a group of disease called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).