A 53-year-old male with a 20-year history of smoking is diagnosed with emphysema. Changes in his lungs are caused by:
A) viral infections.
B) destruction of alveolar macrophages.
C) alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency.
D) fibrotic lung disease.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Emphysema is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that is often caused by smoking. In some cases, it can also be caused by alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, a genetic condition that causes a deficiency in the protein that helps protect the lungs from damage. Smoking and alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency both lead to damage and destruction of the alveoli, which are the tiny air sacs in the lungs responsible for exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide with the blood. This destruction leads to decreased lung function and difficulty breathing. Viral infections and fibrotic lung disease are not typically associated with the development of emphysema.

A 53-Year-Old Male with a 20-Year History of Smoking Is