Obstructive lung disease refers to a category of respiratory conditions characterized by increased resistance to airflow due to obstruction or narrowing of the airways. This can lead to difficulty in expelling air from the lungs, particularly during the expiration phase of respiration.
An example of an obstructive lung disease is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which often includes conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. In COPD, the airways may become inflamed, and mucus production can increase, leading to narrowed air passages. Additionally, the lung tissue may lose its elasticity over time, further impeding airflow.
In obstructive lung disease, expiration is the phase of respiration most affected. During expiration, the airways are supposed to open fully to allow air to leave the lungs easily. However, increased airway resistance due to inflammation, mucus, and structural changes leads to difficulty in expelling air. This results in air trapping and hyperinflation of the lungs, which can cause a decrease in overall lung function and performance.
The key terms in summary:
- Inspiration: While inspiration may also be affected, it is primarily the expiration that struggles due to airway resistance.
- Expiration: This phase is the most affected because obstructive lung disease causes difficulty in the bronchial tubes opening, leading to prolonged expiration and incomplete lung emptying.
- Airway resistance: Increased airway resistance is the hallmark of obstructive lung diseases, resulting from airway obstruction and contributing to the difficulties experienced in expiration.
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