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What is the chronic noninfectious condition of the lungs in which the walls of the alveoli have lost elasticity,causing air to remain trapped in the alveoli?

Question

What is the chronic noninfectious condition of the lungs in which the walls of the alveoli have lost elasticity, causing air to remain trapped in the alveoli?

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Solution

The chronic noninfectious condition of the lungs in which the alveoli lose their elasticity, causing air to remain trapped, is known as Emphysema.

Here are the steps to understand this:

  1. The lungs are made up of tiny air sacs called alveoli. These are crucial for the process of gas exchange, where oxygen is taken into the body and carbon dioxide is expelled.

  2. In a healthy lung, the alveoli are elastic, meaning they can expand and contract as you breathe in and out.

  3. Emphysema is a chronic (long-term) condition that affects these alveoli. It is noninfectious, meaning it is not caused by an infection but usually by long-term exposure to irritants, most commonly cigarette smoke.

  4. In emphysema, the walls of the alveoli are damaged and lose their elasticity. This means they cannot contract properly to expel all the air as you breathe out.

  5. As a result, air becomes trapped in the alveoli. This can cause symptoms such as breathlessness and a persistent cough.

  6. Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a group of lung diseases that cause breathing difficulties.

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