EMPHYSEMA Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

EMPHYSEMA - Essay Example The alveoli over-inflate and eventually burst and blend to form fewer larger air sacs, reducing the surface area over which gas exchange can take place. This significantly impairs oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange and the sufferer will have to breathe faster and heavier to compensate for this. Over the years the lungs also become less elastic as the tissue is destroyed due to chemical imbalance and this reduces their efficiency. (Wright, 2007) In fact, nearly 85% of all the cases found have been among cigarette smokers in their 50s or 60s, however, cigar and pipe smokers are also at risk. It has been found that tobacco smoke may damage the elastic fibers that make up the walls of the alveoli cells. This loss of elasticity leads to the retention of air in the lungs, expansion of the rib cage, and the flattening of the diaphragm. Normally, through contraction and relaxation, the diaphragm does most of the work when it comes to breathing. But when it remains flattened due to the effects of the smoke on the alveoli, muscles in the rib cage and abdomen take over the bulk of the work. Greater reliance on these muscles is a less efficient and more tiring way of breathing. (Lucey, 2003)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Emphysema can also be contracted through genetics. An inherited deficiency of a protein known as alpha1-antitrypsin (ATT), which protects the lungs from destructive enzymes, also can cause emphysema, especially in people younger than fifty. Cases of hereditary emphysema are rare but are still a cause for concern.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  If a person is having difficulty in breathing or experiencing difficulty in tolerating even mild exercise, they should consult a doctor. The doctor will make a diagnosis of emphysema based on the following factors: the patients symptoms, medical history, results from lung function tests, findings on chest x-rays, and whether or not an increase in chest size has occurred.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The most common symptoms of emphysema