Emphysema

Emphysema Emphysema is a state in which the structure of the lung is excessively expanded, called alveoli or balloon. This excessive swelling is caused by the rupture of the alveolar wall, which results in a decrease in respiratory function (working way of the lungs) and often causes dyspnea. Early symptoms of emphysema include shortness of breath and cough. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis together form chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Emphysema is a widespread lung disease. Currently, about 2 million Americans in the United States suffer from emphysema. Emphysema is ranked 15th among chronic diseases that cause movement limitation. Many people with emphysema are elderly, but the condition of women is increasing. The number of men with emphysema exceeds 54%. From scientific research it is known that normal lungs have a significant balance between two classes of chemicals that have opposite effects. Elastic fibers in the lungs allow the lungs to expand and contract. As the chemical balance changes, the lungs lose their ability to protect themselves from the destruction of these elastic fibers. This is emphysema. There are many reasons for this chemical imbalance.

Emphysema is a lung disease. It happens most often to smokers, but it also happens to people who regularly inhale irritants. Emphysema destroys the alveoli, the air bladder of the lungs. The balloon weakens and eventually bursts. This will reduce the surface area of ​​lungs and the amount of oxygen that can reach the bloodstream. This makes breathing more difficult, especially during exercise. Emphysema may also lose the elasticity of the lungs. Smoking is the leading cause of emphysema. The more you smoke, the higher the risk of emphysema. Cannabis can also cause emphysema. According to the American Lung Association, smoking causes deaths of more than 480,000 Americans each year, of which 80% is due to COPD including emphysema. Exposure to second-hand smoke increases the risk of emphysema