AEMCA Practice Exam

What is emphysema?

1. A condition leading to increased mucus production

2. A disorder causing loss of elastin and air trapping

3. Characterized by acute lung infections

4. A genetic disorder affecting cilia function

The correct answer is: A disorder causing loss of elastin and air trapping

Emphysema is a progressive respiratory condition that falls under the umbrella of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The hallmark of emphysema is the destruction of the alveoli, which are the small air sacs in the lungs responsible for gas exchange. This destruction leads to the loss of elastin, a key protein that provides the lungs with their elastic recoil. As a result, the lungs become less efficient in expelling air, creating a situation known as air trapping. This means that air becomes trapped in the damaged alveoli after exhalation, leading to difficulty in breathing and reduced oxygen supply to the body. The presence of emphysema further contributes to symptoms such as shortness of breath and chronic cough and is often exacerbated by exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke or environmental pollutants. Understanding this mechanism highlights why emphysema is recognized specifically for its impact on lung elasticity and air retention. The other options, while potentially relevant to different forms of respiratory disease, do not accurately describe emphysema's principal defining characteristics.