Excessive cigarette smoking leading to damage of alveolar walls is associated witha)Asthmab)Emphysemac)Silicosisd)BotulismCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

Answer

Excessive cigarette smoking leading to damage of alveolar walls is associated with emphysema. Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that is caused by damage to the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs.

Topic in NCERT: DISORDERS OF RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

Line in NCERT: 'Emphysema is a chronic disorder in which alveolar walls are damaged due to which respiratory surface is decreased. One of the major causes of this is cigarette smoking.'

Answer

Excessive cigarette smoking leading to damage of alveolar walls is associated with emphysema. Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that is caused by damage to the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs.

Topic in NCERT: DISORDERS OF RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

Line in NCERT: 'Emphysema is a chronic disorder in which alveolar walls are damaged due to which respiratory surface is decreased. One of the major causes of this is cigarette smoking.'

Answer

Understanding Emphysema and its Association with Smoking
Excessive cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for the development of emphysema, a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by damage to the alveolar walls. Here’s how smoking contributes to this condition:
Alveolar Damage
- Cigarette smoke contains numerous toxic substances that lead to inflammation in the lungs.
- This inflammation results in the destruction of the elastin and collagen fibers in the alveolar walls.
- As the alveolar walls break down, the surface area available for gas exchange decreases, resulting in impaired oxygen absorption.
Loss of Elasticity
- The damage to alveolar structures causes loss of elasticity, which is crucial for proper lung function.
- This leads to difficulty in exhaling air, trapping it in the lungs and causing hyperinflation.
Symptoms of Emphysema
- Patients often experience shortness of breath, chronic cough, and wheezing.
- These symptoms can significantly impact the quality of life and daily activities.
Comparative Analysis with Other Conditions
- Asthma: Primarily an inflammatory condition with reversible airway obstruction, not typically associated with permanent alveolar damage.
- Silicosis: Caused by inhalation of silica dust, leading to fibrosis, but not directly from smoking.
- Botulism: A toxin-related illness affecting the nervous system, unrelated to lung or alveolar damage.
Conclusion
In summary, excessive cigarette smoking leads to emphysema by damaging the alveolar walls, which is why option 'B' is the correct answer. Understanding this relationship is vital for recognizing the risks associated with smoking and the importance of lung health.

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