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Emphysema

October 14th 2009 18:43
Emphysema belongs to a group of diseases known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases. Such condition may be genetically predisposed due to a defect or lack in alpha1 anti-trypsin, which (simple and plain) protects the pulmonary system from damage caused by exttrinsic or intrinsic factors.

Nevertheless, more commonly affected by the disease are adults, due to long term smoking or environmental pollution.

Have you ever heard of "pink puffers"? Well this best describes an emphysema patient- a smoker who usually have pinkish complexion especially over the chest area.


Pink Puffer
Pink Puffer


The picture above was taken from COPD-BPCO forum.

Emphysema is characterized by the destruction of the alveoli, the smallest functional units of the respiratory system.

Alveoli, emphysema
Alveoli (www.phschool.com)


The alveoli lose their elasticity, as a result of recurrent injury caused by pollutants. As a result carbon dioxide, which is supposed to be exhaled out, remains within the lungs. This is what we call "Carbon Dioxide retention".


TO BE CONTINUED>>>
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