Emphysema is a long-term (chronic), irreversible lung disease that
occurs when the tiny air sacs in the lungs are damaged, usually as a result of
long-term smoking. It causes difficulty breathing and shortness of breath that
gets worse over time.
Emphysema is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD).
A rare type of emphysema is caused by the lack of a substance in
the lungs called alpha1-antitrypsin. This type of emphysema is usually
inherited.
Last Updated:
May 8, 2008
Author:
Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS & Cynthia Tank
Medical Review:
Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine & Ken Y. Yoneda, MD - Pulmonology
