Patient was instructed upon pathophysiology of emphysema as follows:
- Emphysema is a condition on the spectrum of COPD, involving extensive damage of the air sacs or alveoli of the lungs.
- Primary reason for emphysema is chronic active/passive cigarette smoking. Other irritants, such as, dust, pollen, and prolonged exposure environmental pollutants like exhaust from the vehicles and industrial waste can be precipitating factors too.
- Exposure to these respiratory tract irritants can lead to chronic unresolved cough and repeated inflammation in the alveoli of the lungs. This chronic inflammation can cause irreversible damage to the alveoli of the lungs, resulting in emphysema.
- Alveoli are the structures that help with gas exchange in the lungs. Damage to the alveoli result in poor gas exchange.
- Poor gas exchange results in less oxygen availability for the tissues and increased carbon dioxide retention in the body, thus contributing to exacerbation of shortness of breath, increased difficulty in emptying the lungs during expiration, and the clinical picture of emphysema.
