Emphysema: Breathing Difficulties and Many More

Despite many efforts of health professionals to help smokers quit smoking, it continues to be one of the major causes of illness and death around the world. One serious ailment that can be developed because of smoking is emphysema. Emphysema is one of the most fatal respiratory diseases in the United States today.

Emphysema is a chronic respiratory disease that is characterized by the inflammation of the alveoli or air sacks in the lungs. Emphysema may reduce the elasticity of the lungs and may result in the collapse of the bronchioles. As this happens, air cannot leave the alveoli and the function of the lungs is severely hampered. The lungs may lose their ability to shrink during exhalation, reduced exhalation may also reduce the amount of air that is inhaled. Because of this condition, waste air is not easily removed from the lungs and oxygen-rich air is not restored. Individuals with emphysema may have a hard time breathing and oftentimes gasp for air. Emphysema is most common among individuals aged 50 and older and may occur with other respiratory disease like bronchitis.

Heavy cigarette smoking is the primary cause of emphysema, causing about 80-90 percent of all emphysema cases. Pipe, cigar, and marijuana smoking may also damage the lungs and cause emphysema. Some experts suggest that marijuana may cause much severe damage because it inhaled deeply inhaled by smokers. Another cause of this condition is a deficiency of enzymes called alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT). Lack of these enzymes may cause chronic uninhibited tissue breakdown that may lead to the manifestation of emphysema. Read more