Emphysema
- Created by: hannahx
- Created on: 05-01-13 13:03
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- EMPHYSEMA
- one in 5 smokers will develop this disease
- develops over 20 years or so and is almost impossible to diagnose until it is too late
- healthy lungs contain elastin which allows for elastic recoil when breathing out
- white blood cells called macrophages patrolling the lungs secrete an enzyme to destroy elastin so that they can get across to the pathogens and particulates in the alveoli
- the surface area of the lungs are reduced because the alveoli burst, resulting in reduced gaseous exchange
- SYMPTOMS
- shortness of breath
- bluish colouration to skin
- cough
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