Emphysema
Learn about the pulmonary condition of Emphysema including its common causes, symptoms, and treatments.
What is Emphysema?
Emphysema is a lung condition which causes shortness of breath caused by damaged air sacks in the lungs.
People with emphysema have damage to the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs and as a result, less oxygen reaches the bloodstream. In a person with emphysema, old air does not get expelled during exhalation and becomes trapped, leaving no room for new, oxygenated air to enter.
Symptoms of Emphysema
Symptoms of emphysema may include:
- Shortness of breath, which affects your daily tasks
- Shortness of breath, even while you are at rest
Possible Causes of Emphysema
Some possible causes of emphysema may be:
- Tobacco smoke
- Marijuana smoke
- Air pollution
- Chemical fumes and dust
- Genetics: an alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency
Risk Factors of Emphysema
Risk factors of emphysema may include:
- Smoking
- Age – symptoms usually develop between age 40 and 60
- Exposure to second-hand smoke
- Exposure to fumes or dust at the workplace
- Exposure to indoor or outdoor pollution
Complications from Emphysema
Complications from emphysema may include:
- Collapsed lung – this can be life-threatening in people with emphysema because their breathing is already compromised.
- Heart problems – a condition called cor pulmonale can develop, where a section of the heart expands and weakens.
- Large holes in the lungs – spaces in the lung can develop, called bullae, and can increase your chance of collapsed lung.
How to Prevent Emphysema
Some ways to prevent emphysema may include:
- Stop smoking.
- Avoid second-hand smoke.
- Wear a mask if you are exposed to fumes or irritants in the workplace.
Learn about the Smoking Cessation program at Oneida Health.