Question

Which of the following options correctly represents the lung conditions in asthma and emphysema, respectively?

• A. Increased respiratory surface; Inflammation of the bronchioles
• B. Increased number of bronchioles; Increased respiratory surface
• C. Inflammation of bronchioles; Decreased respiratory surface
• D. Decreased respiratory surface; Inflammtion of bronchioles

Answer 1

The correct option is C Inflammation of bronchioles; Decreased respiratory surface

Asthma is a respiratory disorder in which inflammation of the airways (bronchi and bronchioles) causes airflow into and out of the lungs to be restricted. The symptoms usually include coughing, difficulty in breathing etc. This breathing difficulty leads to wheezing which is a high-pitched, coarse whistling sound.

Emphysema is a lung condition that causes shortness of breath. In people with emphysema, the alveolar walls are damaged. This decreases the respiratory surface and, in turn, the amount of oxygen that reaches the bloodstream. Cigarette smoking is one of the major causes of this respiratory disorder.