advertisement

emphysema

lungs in chest, showing inside airways of a lung with detail of healthy alveoli and damaged alveoli.

emphysema is a long-term (chronic) lung disease. with emphysema, the tiny air sacs (alveoli) at the end of the airways in the lungs are damaged. when the air sacs are damaged or destroyed, their walls break down and the sacs become larger. these larger air sacs move less oxygen into the blood. this causes problems with breathing or shortness of breath. these symptoms get worse over time. after air sacs are destroyed, they can't be replaced.

emphysema is often caused by smoking. a rare type of emphysema is caused by the lack of a substance in the lungs called alpha1-antitrypsin. this type of emphysema is usually inherited.

current as of: august 6, 2023

author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

this information does not replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise, incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. your use of this information means that you agree to the terms of use. learn how we develop our content.

advertisement

advertisement