Emphysema
Emphysema is a disorder that is characterized by obstruction and destruction of the lungs, which can be determined by making a CT-scan (see picure below). Due to bronchiolar obstruction the Raw greatly increases and due to loss of alveolar walls the DLCO and DLO 2 decrease. The loss of alveolar walls also decreases the number of pulmonary capillaries through which the blood can pass, causing an increase in pulmonary vascular resistance and subsequent pulmonary hypertension. This in turn overloads the right side of the heart and frequently causes right-sided heart failure.
Emphysema is a condition in which the structure of the alveoli is broken down (by smoke and coughing), reducing the surface area for gaseous exchange, as well as altering the elasticity of the lungs.