What condition is characterized by loss of elasticity in the air sacs of the lungs?

Emphysema is characterized by the destruction of the alveoli, which are the air sacs in the lungs responsible for gas exchange. This condition leads to a significant loss of elasticity in the lung tissue, making it difficult for the lungs to fully expand and contract. As a result, individuals with emphysema often experience symptoms such as shortness of breath and a chronic cough, and may find it challenging to exhale fully, which can lead to trapped air in the lungs.

The loss of elasticity reduces the overall surface area available for oxygen exchange, contributing to the feeling of breathlessness during physical activities and rest. This pathological change primarily stems from long-term exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke, which causes inflammation and destruction of the lung tissue over time. Thus, emphysema effectively underscores the impact of chronic lung diseases on respiratory function, highlighting the importance of maintaining lung health and avoiding known risk factors.

In contrast, asthma involves bronchial constriction and inflammation that affects the airways, chronic bronchitis is characterized by persistent cough and mucus production due to airway inflammation, and pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. Each of these conditions has different underlying mechanisms and presentations, distinguishing them from emphysema, which