Pulmonary Emphysema

Pulmonary emphysema is a lung disease that affects the air sacs, or alveoli, at the end of the airways. It is characterized by a decrease in the size of these air sacs and an increase in their number due to destruction of their walls. As a result, the lung volume is reduced, leading to difficulty in breathing. Emphysema is normally caused by smoking or by a genetic disorder, and is a major contributor to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Treatment for emphysema includes avoiding triggers, taking medications, and in some cases oxygen therapy.