Emphysema is a condition resulting froma)cigarette smokingb)liquor consumptionc)drug addictiond)reduced oxygen carrying capacity of blood.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

Answer

Emphysema is a respiratory disorder which occurs due to the inflation or abnormal distension of the bronchioles or alveolar sacs resulting in the loss of their elasticity. Cigarette smoking and chronic bronchitis are the causes of this disease.

Answer

Emphysema is a chronic disorder in which alveolar walls are damaged due to which respiratory surface is decreased.one of the major cause of this disorder is cigarette smoking.

Answer

Emphysema is a condition resulting from cigarette smoking.

Emphysema is a chronic and progressive lung disease that is primarily caused by long-term exposure to certain irritants, with cigarette smoke being the most common and significant risk factor. It is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by the destruction of the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs, leading to difficulties in breathing.

Explanation:
Emphysema is directly linked to cigarette smoking due to the harmful chemicals present in tobacco smoke. When a person inhales cigarette smoke, these harmful substances enter the lungs and cause damage to the delicate tissues and air sacs. The primary components of cigarette smoke that contribute to emphysema are:

1. Chemical Irritants: Cigarette smoke contains various irritants, such as tar, nicotine, benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide. These irritants cause inflammation and damage to the airways, leading to the destruction of lung tissue over time.

2. Oxidative Stress: Cigarette smoke also generates excessive amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals in the lungs. These highly reactive molecules cause oxidative stress, damaging the cells and tissues of the lungs.

3. Protease Imbalance: Smoking disrupts the balance between proteases (enzymes that break down proteins) and antiproteases (enzymes that inhibit proteases) in the lungs. This imbalance results in the destruction of elastin and collagen fibers, which help maintain the elasticity and structure of the lungs.

4. Inflammatory Response: Inhalation of cigarette smoke triggers a chronic inflammatory response in the lungs. This persistent inflammation leads to the recruitment of immune cells and the release of various inflammatory mediators, causing further damage to the lung tissue.

Over time, the destruction of the air sacs in emphysema leads to the loss of lung elasticity and reduces the surface area available for gas exchange. Consequently, the affected individuals experience shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and other respiratory symptoms.

It is important to note that while cigarette smoking is the primary cause of emphysema, other factors such as exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution, and genetic predisposition may also contribute to the development of the condition. However, smoking cessation is the most effective way to prevent further progression of emphysema and improve lung function.

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