Assignment Problem: Jos has been diagnosed with emphysema (an obstructive disease of the airways). Jos finds it relatively easy to breathe in, but when breathing out his airways close and it is difficult to forcefully exhale the air in his lungs. In addition, emphysema leads to the destruction of alveoli walls therefore leading to larger but few air sacs (alveoli).
Question: Answerthe following questions regarding how emphysema affect the normal function of Jos's respiratory system?
Using the bicarbonate buffer system equation (CO2 + H2O ↔ H2CO3 ↔ H+ + HCO3-), explain what would happen with his blood carbon dioxide levels and blood pH in obstructive respiratory conditions.