A pathophysiology review on emphysema

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A Pathophysiology Review on Emphysema

Abstract:

Emphysema is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that permanently effects the way in which one lives. The pathophysiology of emphysema involve the enlargement of airspaces within the alveoli, along with a destroyed alveoli wall. There is no cure for emphysema but there are treatable methods to help make the symptoms much more easier on the patient. This involves making sure that as much gas as possible is exhaled out of the lungs. Smoking seems to be a major causal factor of emphysema, with research showing that a majority of COPD cases are because of cigarette smoking. Saying this, it does not mean that a non-smoker would not be able to be diagnosed with emphysema and this is due tot he deficiency of the enzyme alpha1 - antitryspin which is something that us found to be inherited thus making it genetic.

Introduction:

Emphysema is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which occurs in the lungs, when an individual is affected by emphysema their air sacs are found to be larger than normal and this is due to the fact that the alveoli in the lungs have been permanently destroyed. As