What Is Emphysema? Emphysema is a chronic lung condition in which the lungs' natural airspaces, called alveoli, become larger but decrease in number. The tissue surrounding the alveoli loses elasticity so that the airspaces can no longer expand and shrink as usual. This reduces the amount of oxygen transferred by the lungs to the bloodstream, making it more difficult for you to breathe. Emphysema usually results from exposure to toxins like cigarettes as well as air pollution, dust, chemical fumes, and irritants. Older adults are more likely to be affected and many people who have emphysema are not aware that they have it.

Causes of Emphysema Cigarette smoking is the number one cause of emphysema. A huge majority of emphysema sufferers have smoked heavily in the past. A burning cigarette emits over 4,000 different chemicals, many of which are carcinogenic (cancer-causing) or otherwise toxic to living tissue. Infections of the respiratory tract can also destroy lung tissue and thus contribute to the development or worsening of emphysema. Heredity condition called homozygous alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency put people more in danger of Emphysema. Air pollution can also irritate the lungs and cause emphysema, although pollution alone is rarely the cause.

Oxygen therapy, Bronchodilators Corticosteroids Antibiotics Exercise Lung surgery Surgery for pneumothorax Purified human alpha-1-antitrypsin for treatment of emphysema due to alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. Vaccinations against influenza and pneumonia, This doesn't treat the emphysema but can prevent flare-ups.

Don't smoke. Avoid secondhand smoke. Avoid air pollution as much as possible. Use air conditioning with a filter and humidity control. Avoid allergic "triggers" that can aggravate emphysema if asthma coexists. Avoid high altitudes. Wash your hands frequently to avoid infections. Drink plenty of fluids to reduce the buildup of thick mucous in your air passages.