explain using gas exchange and cardiovascular systems
2006-11-12 04:33:29 · 5 answers · asked by leothegr812 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
Emphysema begins with the destruction of air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs where oxygen from the air is exchanged for carbon dioxide in the blood. The walls of the air sacs are thin and fragile. Damage to the air sacs is irreversible and results in permanent "holes" in the tissues of the lower lungs.
As air sacs are destroyed, the lungs are able to transfer less and less oxygen to the bloodstream, causing shortness of breath. The lungs also lose their elasticity, which is important to keep airways open. The patient experiences great difficulty exhaling.
Emphysema doesn't develop suddenly. It comes on very gradually. Years of exposure to the irritation of cigarette smoke usually precede the development of emphysema.
A person may initially visit the doctor because he or she has begun to feel short of breath during activity or exercise. As the disease progresses, a brief walk can be enough to bring on difficulty in breathing. Some people may have had chronic bronchitis before developing emphysema.
2006-11-12 04:42:33 · answer #1 · answered by Martha P 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The aveoli in the lungs get detroyed irrepairably and basically less oxygen that is in your lungs can go to your blood stream at any one point.
2006-11-12 04:36:08 · answer #2 · answered by james v 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They're not getting enough oxygen into their lungs and thus, into their bloodstreams. They need to rest because their lungs are working too hard to try to get more oxygen.
2006-11-12 04:35:04 · answer #3 · answered by Shibi 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
why did you ask this question 5 times
2006-11-12 04:39:18 · answer #4 · answered by darkpheonix262 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Are you sure?
2006-11-12 04:35:04 · answer #5 · answered by Sir Sidney Snot 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋