Emphysema
What Is It?
Emphysema is a
respiratory disease. In this condition, millions of the lungs' tiny air sacs
(alveoli) stretch out of shape or rupture. As these thin, fragile air sacs
become damaged , the lungs lose their natural elasticity. They
become unable to empty easily.
Emphysema is a progressive disease, which means it
continues to get worse. As the condition progresses, the lungs lose their
ability to absorb oxygen and release carbon dioxide. Breathing becomes more
difficult.
Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the two most
common forms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They often occur
together. Bronchitis is an inflammation and swelling of the bronchial walls. Person with chronic bronchitis typically has a daily cough with phlegm that
lasts for months at a time over several years.
Both emphysema and chronic bronchitis are caused by
damage to the lungs and bronchial tubes. It is caused by smoking,
symptoms may improve after a smoker quits.
Smoking is the vast majority of
cases of emphysema. Exposure to secondhand smoke and airborne toxins also can
contribute to emphysema because the body doesn't make enough of
protein called alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT). AAT protects the lungs from damage by
enzymes. When levels of AAT are low, the lungs are prone to being damaged by
these enzymes. Smoking makes this condition worse.
Referred to :
Additional Info :
American Lung Association61 Broadway, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10006
Phone: (212) 315-8700
Toll-Free: (800) 548-8252
www.lungusa.org/
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
P.O. Box 30105
Bethesda, MD 20824-0105
Phone: (301) 592-8573
TTY: (240) 629-3255
Fax: (301) 592-8563
www.nhlbi.nih.gov/
Know More About Emphysema
