Emphysema is primarily associated with which of the following?

Emphysema is primarily characterized by the obstruction of airflow, which is a key feature of this chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In emphysema, the alveoli—small air sacs in the lungs—lose their elasticity and become damaged. This damage hinders the ability of the lungs to expel air, leading to a reduction in airflow, especially during exhalation. As a result, individuals may experience difficulty in breathing and an increase in residual lung volume due to trapping of air.

While inflammation of the lungs, increased lung capacity, and excess mucus production may be associated with other respiratory conditions or even co-morbidities in patients with emphysema, they do not define the core pathology of the disease as clearly as the obstruction of airflow. In emphysema, the primary concern is the airflow limitation caused by the destruction of lung tissue and the resultant loss of alveolar integrity, making the obstruction of airflow the most accurate association.