COPE Health Scholars Complete Practice Test 2025

Emphysema is characterized by the permanent enlargement of the air spaces in the lungs, specifically the alveoli, which leads to a decrease in the surface area available for gas exchange. This structural change is primarily caused by the destruction of elastin fibers in the lung tissue, often associated with long-term exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke or environmental pollutants. The enlargement of the airspaces impairs the ability of the lungs to effectively exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide, resulting in increased breathlessness and reduced respiratory efficiency.

In contrast to this correct characteristic, increased lung capacity is often misleading, as emphysema typically leads to a functional impairment in breathing, despite the physical enlargement of air spaces. A chronic cough with mucus is more characteristic of chronic bronchitis, a condition closely related but distinct from emphysema. Reduced breathing difficulty is not accurate either, as emphysema generally results in increased difficulty due to compromised lung function. Understanding these features helps clarify the pathology of emphysema and its impact on respiratory health.