Which physiological change is seen in emphysema?

Which physiological change is seen in emphysema?

• A. Thickening of bronchial walls
• B. Destruction of alveoli
• C. Increased mucus secretion
• D. Hardening of lung tissue

Answer: (B)

Destruction of alveoli is a hallmark of emphysema, which is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In emphysema, the walls of the alveoli, small air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs, become damaged and lose their elasticity. This damage leads to a decrease in the surface area available for oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange, resulting in difficulty breathing and reduced oxygen supply to the bloodstream.

As the alveoli are destroyed, they may also merge into larger air spaces, which impacts the lung's overall function. This pathological change is primarily caused by long-term exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke or environmental pollutants, leading to inflammation and subsequent destruction of the lung tissue.

Other options describe different processes that may occur in various lung diseases but do not specifically characterize emphysema. For instance, thickening of bronchial walls is more associated with chronic bronchitis, while increased mucus secretion is also primarily a feature of chronic bronchitis rather than emphysema. Hardening of lung tissue is indicative of conditions like pulmonary fibrosis. Therefore, the destruction of alveoli distinctly captures the essence of the physiological change seen in emphysema.