About Emphysema

Emphysema is a chronic, progressive lung disease that obstructs the transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. The main cause of emphysema is smoking. Other risk factors include aging, genetic predisposition, secondhand smoke, exposure to air pollution or chemical fumes, immune deficiencies and connective tissue disorders.

Identification

• Symptoms of emphysema include chronic cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of appetite and weight loss.

Effects

• In persons with emphysema, the heart has to work harder to get blood to the lungs, which often results in pulmonary hypertension and can eventually cause heart failure.

Types

• The main types of emphysema include smoker's emphysema, also known as nonfamilial emphysema, and familial emphysema, which is a rare genetic form of the disease.

Considerations

• Individuals with emphysema should know that although it's not curable, the goal of treatment is to prevent further lung damage and preserve lung function.

Prevention/Solution

• Since the main cause of emphysema is smoking, the best way to prevent it is not to smoke or stop smoking if you're currently a smoker.