Which condition is defined by alveolar wall breakdown and less elastic lungs?

Emphysema is characterized by the breakdown of alveolar walls, leading to the destruction of lung tissue and a reduction in the elastic recoil of the lungs. This condition primarily affects the alveoli, which are the small air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs. When the alveolar walls break down, the surface area for gas exchange diminishes, making it difficult for the body to receive adequate oxygen and expel carbon dioxide effectively.

The loss of elasticity in the lung tissues means that the lungs are less able to spring back to their original shape after inhalation and exhalation. This results in air being trapped in the lungs, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath and a chronic productive cough. Emphysema is part of a group of diseases known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and it often occurs due to long-term exposure to irritants, particularly tobacco smoke.

The other conditions listed involve different pathological processes. For instance, bronchiectasis refers to the abnormal and permanent dilation of the bronchi, which can be a result of chronic infections; asthma is characterized by airway inflammation and constriction; and pulmonary fibrosis involves the thickening and stiffening of the lung tissue due to scarring, which affects lung