Which condition is described as hyperinflation of air sacs with destruction of alveolar walls?

• A. Emphysema
• B. Influenza
• C. Laryngitis
• D. Sinusitis

Answer: (A)

Emphysema involves hyperinflation of the air sacs with destruction of alveolar walls, which reduces the surface area for gas exchange and eliminates much of the lung’s elastic recoil. This causes air to be trapped, especially on expiration, leading to a progressively enlarged chest (barrel-shaped), shortness of breath, and characteristic signs like diminished breath sounds and prolonged expiration. The underlying damage comes from loss of elastic tissue in the walls between alveoli, often driven by smoking or certain enzyme deficiencies, so the lungs become more compliant and easier to inflate but harder to empty.

The other conditions listed are inflammation of different parts of the respiratory system and do not feature alveolar wall destruction or the same pattern of hyperinflation: influenza is a viral infection of the respiratory tract with fever and body aches; laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx causing hoarseness; sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses with facial pain and nasal symptoms.