Lung Disease & Conditions

Emphysema

Emphysema is a disease in which the air sacs, or alveoli, are damaged or destroyed. This condition is irreversible.

Emphysema leads to decreased oxygen exchange between the air in the lungs and the bloodstream. In emphysema, the walls of the air sacs break down and the sacs become over­inflated. As the large sacs lose their elasticity, stale air becomes trapped in the lungs and the person experiences great difficulty exhaling. The treatment goal for emphysema is to prevent progression of the disease and to provide relief from shortness of breath and other symptoms. Smoking is the number one cause of emphysema. Quitting smoking can prevent emphysema from starting and can also decrease the progression of the disease. Continued smoking makes emphysema worse.