Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

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 and lose their stretch. 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 and shortness of breath. These symptoms often get worse over time. After air sacs are destroyed, they can't be replaced.

Emphysema is often caused by smoking. A less common type of emphysema is caused by the lack of a substance in the lungs called alpha-1 antitrypsin. This type of emphysema is usually inherited.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.