A 60-year-old man, a heavy smoker, presents for advice to stop smoking. On physical examination, he is thin and has a ruddy complexion. He has a productive cough and a barrel-shaped chest. He sits leaning forward with his lips pursed to facilitate his breathing. A diagnosis of emphysema is made. Which of the following is the most likely histologic finding in the lungs?
A
Bronchial smooth muscle hyperophy with proliferation of eosinophils
B
Diffuse alveolar damage with leakage of protein-rich fluid into alveolar spaces
C
Dilation of air spaces with destruction of alveolar walls
D
Hyperplasia of bronchial mucus-secreting submucosal glands