Emphysema is
a type of chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD) involving damage to
the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. As a
result, your body does not get the oxygen it
needs. Emphysema makes it hard to catch your
breath. You may also have a chronic cough and
have trouble breathing during exercise.
The most common cause is
cigarette smoking. If you smoke, quitting can
help prevent you from getting the disease. If
you already have emphysema, not smoking might
keep it from getting worse. Treatment is based
on whether your symptoms are mild, moderate or
severe. Treatments include inhalers, oxygen,
medications and sometimes surgery to relieve
symptoms and prevent complications.
