Emphysema is a chronic lung disease where the lungs basically loose their elasticity and the smallest structures of the lungs, the alveoli, get damaged. As the disease progesses, the tissues in the lungs that are damaged begin to trap air, and over time the lungs enlarge, and breathing is impaired.
The major cause of emphysema is cigarette smoking. There are several thousands of toxis in tobacco that slowly break down the lung alveoli and elastic structures that make normal breathing possible. People who are diagnosed with emphysema often have shortness of breath and make a wheezing sound when they breathe. They are also very weak when trying to do any physical activity and can develop a bad cough that's similar to bronchitis.
There are numerous exams that are helpful in diagnosising emphysema. Simple pulmonary fuction tests help determine how much air your lungs can hold as well as how much air is coming/going from your lungs. Chest xrays can show emphysema to some degree, but are usually used with another exam to make an accurate diagnosis. A CT scan of the chest can also be performed on patients with emphysema. It will show up as holes in the small lung tissues that are caused by the disease.
Treatment is limited with emphysema, as the damage is not reversable. Patients who's disease is cause by smoking need to stop smoking right away. Often supplemental oxygen and inhaled steriods are the best choice to help make the patient comfortable and slow the disease from progression. A lung transplant is also an option, but only when all others have failed.
