Emphysema is a lung disease that is often caused by smoking cigarettes. This selection from the eMedTV Web site takes an in-depth look at this condition and its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
This eMedTV article talks about the anatomy of the lung, explaining how a slice of normal lung looks similar to a pink sponge filled with tiny bubbles or holes. This page describes the lung in more detail and also includes information on COPD.
Emphysema is typically linked to the inhalation of irritants such as smoke and fumes. As this eMedTV article explains, the most common irritant associated with emphysema is cigarette smoke. This page discusses emphysema and its causes.
Common emphysema symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. As this eMedTV page explains, symptoms generally occur in people who are at least 40 years old. This article provides an overview of the signs and symptoms of this disease.
The four stages of emphysema include: at-risk, mild emphysema, moderate emphysema, and severe emphysema. This eMedTV article provides an overview of these stages and explains that they are identified through a breathing test called spirometry.
As this eMedTV article explains, there are several types of emphysema treatment, including medication, surgery, and pulmonary rehabilitation. This article offers an in-depth look at these and other options for managing emphysema.
