2007-10-06 12:03:31 · 5 answers · asked by astonite40 5 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Respiratory Diseases
First what is emphysema? Damage to the lower section, bottom of the Lungs, due to many things that set up a inflammatory response. Moreover as we age our arteries and veins harden, loose the elasticity. Put the two together and we call it emphysema. As to a cure, well you cannot repair something that is damaged, you can replace it but a new set of lungs cannot be purchased off the shelf. Likewise add in the age of the person and the risk of other health conditions, plus loss of elasticity, which will happen again, no cure.
2007-10-06 12:25:46 · answer #1 · answered by gillianprowe 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Basically because it represents fixed anatomical damage to the alveoli. Gaseous exchange depends on the surface area of these sacs. In emphysema alveolar walls have disintegrated, this produces larger sacs, with a smaller surface area, repair is impossible.
2007-10-06 14:50:32 · answer #2 · answered by Dr Frank 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the lungs have gone porous like breathing through a straw my dad had it its a terrible disease
2007-10-06 12:14:48 · answer #3 · answered by dizzydi 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its like when you stretch the crap out of a plastic bag..... it doesnt shrink back
2007-10-06 13:37:40 · answer #4 · answered by Chris W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
editted...sorry, too flippant a comment.
2007-10-06 12:08:05 · answer #5 · answered by otleygas 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋