Emphysema

?
  • Created by: hannahx
  • Created on: 05-01-13 13:03
View mindmap
  • 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

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Biology resources:

See all Biology resources »See all Health, illness and disease resources »