In chronic emphysema, which of the following spirometry results would you expect to see?

In chronic emphysema, a common finding in spirometry results is an increase in residual volume. This increase occurs because emphysema damages the alveoli, leading to difficulty in fully exhaling, which traps air in the lungs. As a result, the residual volume—the amount of air remaining in the lungs after a person exhales completely—becomes elevated.

While FEV-1 (forced expiratory volume in one second) values may be normal in the early stages of the disease, as emphysema progresses, they often decrease due to airflow limitation. Therefore, it's important to note that while FEV-1 values could still appear normal in some patients, they may also start to decline as disease severity increases.

Taking these points into consideration, the answer encompasses both the expected increase in residual volume and the possibility of normal FEV-1 values depending on the progression of the condition. Thus, identifying both of these components provides a comprehensive view of what spirometry results may look like in a person with chronic emphysema.