Answered

Which of the following diseases causes the airways in the lungs to become permanently enlarged?


AEmphysema
BAsthma
CChronic bronchitis
DCardiovascular disease

Verified Answer :

Final answer:

The disease that causes the airways in the lungs to become permanently enlarged is emphysema. Emphysema leads to damage of the alveoli, resulting in decreased gas exchange efficiency. Other conditions like asthma and chronic bronchitis have different impacts on lung function.


Explanation:

Diseases of the Airways: Emphysema


Among the diseases listed, the one that causes the airways in the lungs to become permanently enlarged is emphysema. Emphysema is a progressive lung disease that primarily affects the alveoli, or air sacs, in the lungs. In emphysema, the walls between many of the alveoli are damaged and lose their elasticity, leading to an abnormal enlargement of the air spaces. This results in a decrease in surface area for gas exchange, making it difficult for the lungs to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream and remove carbon dioxide from the body.


In contrast:



  • Asthma is characterized by reversible airway obstruction and inflammation, often triggered by allergens or exercise, but does not lead to permanent enlargement of the airways.

  • Chronic bronchitis involves long-term inflammation of the bronchial tubes, leading to mucus production and cough; while it can cause airway obstruction, it does not cause permanent enlargement like emphysema.

  • Cardiovascular disease affects the heart and blood vessels but is unrelated to changes in the lung airways.


Understanding these differences is critical for recognizing the health impacts associated with smoking and other risk factors that contribute to these conditions.


Learn more about emphysema here:

https://brainly.com/question/44250177


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