What is Emphysema?

• Do you smoke?



• Does anyone in your family smoke?



• Do you have a persistent cough that often produces clear or colored mucus?



• Do you often become short of breath with little or no exertion?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you may be at risk for developing emphysema.

What is emphysema?

Emphysema (also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD) is a group of lung diseases that are characterized by a reduced ability of the lungs to oxygenate the blood. Almost 16 million Americans suffer from some form of COPD, and emphysema is the fourth-ranking cause of death in the United States after heart disease, cancer and stroke.

Emphysema and chronic bronchitis generally occur together. Emphysema develops over many years -- as the small air sacs within the lungs (alveoli) are gradually destroyed, usually by cigarette smoke. As a result, the surface area necessary to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide becomes inadequate, and patients become more and more short of breath. Chronic bronchitis refers to an ongoing inflammation of the lining of the lung's breathing tubes (bronchi) caused by bacterial infection and, usually, smoke irritation. As the inflammation progresses, the bronchi fill with mucus and grow narrower, hindering the flow of air. This results in a chronic cough, as the body attempts to rid itself of the excess mucus that is irritating the lungs. This mucus is also know as phlegm or sputum.

What is the cause of emphysema?

Cigarette smoking is, by far, the most common cause of both emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It is responsible for 82 percent of the deaths attributed to emphysema. A smoker is 10 times more likely to die of emphysema than a non-smoker. Other causes, such as environmental pollution and occupational exposures, also have been implicated in the development of emphysema. Heredity plays a role in one form of emphysema that is due to a genetically linked enzyme (alpha-1-antitrypsin) deficiency.

Related Articles What Are the Symptoms Associated With Emphysema? How Is Emphysema Treated?

External Source American Lung Association

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.

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