What happens to the lungs in individuals suffering from emphysema?

Individuals suffering from emphysema experience damage to the walls between the air sacs in the lungs, known as alveoli. This damage leads to the loss of elasticity in the lung tissue and the walls of the air sacs. Consequently, the air sacs become larger and less effective at facilitating the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. As a result, the lungs have a reduced ability to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream and remove carbon dioxide from it. This impairment in gas exchange is a hallmark of emphysema, making it difficult for affected individuals to breathe and engage in physical activity.

The other options do not accurately reflect the physiological changes that occur in emphysema. For instance, lung capacity does not increase; instead, it can often decrease due to the destruction of elastic tissue. While mucus production can be a concern in certain respiratory conditions, emphysema primarily involves structural damage rather than excessive mucus production. Lastly, the structure of the lungs is indeed affected, contradicting the notion that it remains intact.