The sticky mucas layer in the bronchioles of a person with CF tends to block these narrow airways, preventing ventilation of the alveoli below the blockage. This reduces the number of alveoli providing surface area for gas exchange. Blockages are more likely at the narrow ends of the airways. These blockages will often air to pass when the person breathes in but not when they breathe out, resulting in over-inflation of the lung tissue beyond the blockage. This can damage the elasticity of the lungs.
People with CF find it difficult to take part in physical exercise because their gas exchange systems cannot deliver enough oxygen to their muscle cells. The oxygen is needed for the chemical process of anaerobic respiration, which release the energy used to drive the contraction of the muscles during exercise. People with CF become short of breath when taking exercise but exercise is very beneficial to them.
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