Which symptom is least likely associated with emphysema?

Which symptom is least likely associated with emphysema?

• A. Chronic cough
• B. Difficulty exhaling
• C. Increased lung elasticity
• D. Shortness of breath

Answer: (C)

In the context of emphysema, the symptom that is least likely associated is the increased lung elasticity. Emphysema, a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by damage to the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs, leading to a decrease in the elasticity of lung tissue. This loss of elasticity makes it difficult for the lungs to fully expand and contract, thereby causing issues with airflow and leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, difficulty exhaling, and a chronic cough. Increased lung elasticity does not occur in emphysema; rather, the condition results in the opposite effect, where the lungs become overly expanded due to trapped air and reduced ability to recoil. This is why increased lung elasticity is not a symptom associated with emphysema—a clear understanding of the effects of the disease on lung function helps clarify the distinction.

In the context of emphysema, the symptom that is least likely associated is the increased lung elasticity. Emphysema, a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by damage to the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs, leading to a decrease in the elasticity of lung tissue. This loss of elasticity makes it difficult for the lungs to fully expand and contract, thereby causing issues with airflow and leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, difficulty exhaling, and a chronic cough.

Increased lung elasticity does not occur in emphysema; rather, the condition results in the opposite effect, where the lungs become overly expanded due to trapped air and reduced ability to recoil. This is why increased lung elasticity is not a symptom associated with emphysema—a clear understanding of the effects of the disease on lung function helps clarify the distinction.