The Student Room Group

Gas exchange

all organisms exchange gas with their environment
emphysema is a disease of the respiratory system that affects the structure of the lungs
explain why people with emphysema are given air with a higher concentration of oxygen than atmospheric air
Reply 1
Original post by Njairam
all organisms exchange gas with their environment
emphysema is a disease of the respiratory system that affects the structure of the lungs
explain why people with emphysema are given air with a higher concentration of oxygen than atmospheric air


I suppose you mean that they are given a higher concentration of oxygen as part of their medical treatment.

First, you have to understand what emphysema is. It causes divisions within the alveoli to break, decreasing the surface area over which gas exchange can occur.

Now, apply this knowledge to the question. As the overall capacity of said person's lungs decreases, causing gas exchange to become less efficient in atmospheric conditions, increasing the concentration of oxygen they breathe in would help them, by reversing the effects of emphysema, allowing them to breathe at a normal rate with a relatve amount of oxygen entering the blood again.
(edited 5 years ago)
Reply 2
Thank you so much

Quick Reply

Latest