Emphysema Basics
This chronic lung disease involves the destruction of the alveolar walls, reducing the surface area for gas exchange.
Emphysema
This symptom is often the first noticeable sign and is caused by difficulty moving air out of the lungs.
Shortness of Breath
Most cases of emphysema are caused by smoking these.
Cigarettes
The most important step to stop emphysema from getting worse is quitting...
Smoking
Emphysema mostly affects these tiny “air balloons” inside the lungs.
Alveoli
Some patients make this soft whistling noise when they breathe.
Wheezing
Breathing in dirty air outside is called...
Air Pollution
These handheld devices help deliver medicine that opens the airways.
Inhaler
This is the leading cause responsible for the majority of emphysema cases.
Smoking
Climbing stairs or walking short distances often causes this tired feeling.
Fatigue
Breathing in smoke from someone else’s cigarette is known as...
Secondhand Smoke
The medicine that is taken through an inhaler is called a...
Bronchodilator
Shortness of breath in emphysema usually results from trapping of this gas in the lungs.
Air
Exposure to this workplace hazard often seen in mining and manufacturing raises emphysema risk.
Dust Inhalation
When emphysema was passed down to you from a family member it's called...
Inheritance
If someone has very severe emphysema, a doctor may remove damaged lung parts in a surgery called...
Lung Volume Reduction Surgery