What Is the Pathophysiology Of Emphysema?
The sequential development of signs and symptoms that accompany the presence of emphysema is known as the pathophysiology of emphysema. Considered to be a contributory element of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the pathophysiology of emphysema manifests as the destruction of lung tissue which initially impairs and, ultimately, jeopardizes one’s ability to breathe properly. Frequently diagnosed in current and former smokers, there is no cure for this progressive condition, so treatment is generally centered on symptom management to slow its advancement. Persistent breathing difficulty generally prompts a visit to a physician to determine the cause of one’s impaired respiration. A variety of laboratory, imaging, and breathing tests are generally administered to confirm a diagnosis of emphysema. Of all diagnostic tests performed, imaging tests, including a computerized tomography (CT) scan and chest X-ray, and pulmonary function tests, which measure one’s lung functionality
