Hyperinflation of the lungs refers to the expansion of the lungs beyond their normal volume. Hyperinflation can weaken the elasticity of the muscles of the pulmonary system, diminish the overall function of the respiratory tracts and inhibit the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs.
Smoking
Smoking is a major culprit in hyperinflation or expansion of the lungs, in addition to lung cancer, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Inhaled chemicals from cigarette smoke irritate and damage the lining of the air sacs of the lungs, as well as resulting in the formation of the abnormal or precancerous cells in the lungs. The growth of abnormal cells in the air sacs of the lung impede the elasticity of the pulmonary muscles and the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the air sacs. As the number of abnormal cells continue to grow in the lungs, the ability of the lungs to expel carbon dioxide is greatly diminished, causing the gas to remain in the lungs and the lungs to hyperinflate.
Emphysema
According to the University of Michigan Health System, emphysema is a chronic lung disease characterized by the over-expansion and thinning of the lungs. Emphysema, commonly associated with smoking, results in the loss of lung function and the inability of the lungs to expel carbon dioxide. In emphysema, carbon dioxide becomes trapped in the air sacs of the lungs. This causes lungs to hyperinflate, lose their elasticity and results in progressive destruction of lung tissues.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
According to MayoClinic.com, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease refers to lung diseases that obstruct airflow and impede a person's ability to breathe. COPD often refers to emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthmatic bronchitis. COPD is characterized by narrowed bronchial tubes and the inhibition of an effective exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease results in hyperinflation of the lungs as carbon dioxide becomes trapped in the air sacs of the lungs.
