What are bullae in emphysema?
The definition of a bulla is an air-filled space of > 1 cm in diameter within the lung which has developed because of emphysematous destruction of the lung parenchyma.
What are the 3 types of emphysema?
Generally, pulmonary emphysema is classified into three types related to the lobular anatomy: centrilobular emphysema, panlobular emphysema, and paraseptal emphysema.
What is the definition to emphysema?
(EMP-fuh-ZEE-muh) A disorder affecting the alveoli (tiny air sacs) of the lungs. The transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs takes place in the walls of the alveoli. In emphysema, the alveoli become abnormally inflated, damaging their walls and making it harder to breathe.
What causes a bulla?
Bullae are large blisters on the skin that are filled with clear fluid. Many different skin conditions can cause bullae to form. They can be caused by infection or inflammation of the skin.
How are bullae formed in lungs?
When a bleb ruptures the air escapes into the chest cavity causing a pneumothorax (air between the lung and chest cavity) which can result in a collapsed lung. If blebs become larger or come together to form a larger cyst, they are called bulla.
What is emphysema patho?
In emphysema, the damage caused to the alveoli eventually leads to their decreased elasticity and over-inflation. Swellings or air pockets called bullae develop in which carbon dioxide becomes trapped. This deprives the flow of oxygen into the lungs, which automatically triggers deeper breathing.
Is bullous emphysema fatal?
In the United States, the condition ranks third in causes of death. People living with emphysema are also more likely to develop a collapsed lung, called a pneumothorax. A collapsed lung can be life threatening in people with severe emphysema because their lung function is already compromised.
What is emphysema pathophysiology?
Emphysema is a pathologic diagnosis defined by permanent enlargement of airspaces distal to the terminal bronchioles. This leads to a dramatic decline in the alveolar surface area available for gas exchange. Furthermore, loss of alveoli leads to airflow limitation by 2 mechanisms.
What is the root word for emphysema?
Emphysema comes from the Greek emphusan meaning “puff up.” Emphasyma is a long-term disease that destroys the shape and function of the lungs.