The Student Room Group
Uni students - Complete our survey >>
Uni students - Complete our survey >>
Uni students - Complete our survey >>

Why is emphysema an obstructive disease?

I learnt that obstructive diseases increase airway resistance and restrictive diseases reduce lung compliance (make it less stretchy). I would imagine that emphysema makes the lung less stretchy, so why is it classified as an obstructive disease?
Original post by lorobolorolo
I learnt that obstructive diseases increase airway resistance and restrictive diseases reduce lung compliance (make it less stretchy). I would imagine that emphysema makes the lung less stretchy, so why is it classified as an obstructive disease?


it breaks the alveoli down as well as removing elastin
Original post by ThatMadClown
it breaks the alveoli down as well as removing elastin


Oh so by breaking the alveolar wall, surface area is decreased which increases resistance. Is that the logic behind it?
Thank you

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Latest

Trending

Trending

Articles for you