We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is the Effect of Emphysema on the Lungs?

Jessica Ellis
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 14,931
Share

Emphysema is a chronic respiratory disease in the category of diseases known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. The condition makes breathing difficult and prevents adequate oxygen from reaching the bloodstream. The effect of emphysema on the lungs is extremely destructive, and damage is irreversible, though symptoms and progression can be managed to some extent.

The effect of emphysema on the lungs is a gradual destruction of lung tissue, particularly in the air sacs that help the lungs expel carbon dioxide when breathing. As the sacs are damaged, the effect of emphysema increases, causing the lungs to lose elasticity and be unable to fully deflate when breathing out. This process means that on each breath, old air remains trapped in the lungs, preventing new, oxygenated air from entering and supplying the body.

Emphysema is most often caused by smoking, and the effect of emphysema on the lungs generally increases if exposure to an irritant such as smoke is continued. People diagnosed with emphysema have typically experienced symptoms due to emphysema's effects, and thus may already have severe lung damage. There are other causes of emphysema, including some protein deficiencies, exposure to heavy air pollution or industrial fumes, and problems with connective tissue disorders.

The early symptoms that can indicate the effect of emphysema on the lungs include shortness of breath, loss of physical endurance, weakness, wheezing, or a chronic productive cough. Other symptoms include signs of poor circulation, such as a bluish tint to nails, or breathing problems that significantly increase due to colds or hay fever. People who experience these symptoms on a regular basis are usually advised to seek medical advice, particularly if they smoke or are regularly exposed to pollutant fumes.

There is no cure for emphysema, but the progression of the destructive effects of the disease can be slowed in some cases. Smokers are always advised to cease smoking immediately, while those who have developed the condition due to pollution may be encouraged to relocate or change jobs to prevent more damage. There are some drugs that can help with breathing, including bronchodilators and steroid inhalers. In some cases, a lung transplant may be the only viable option.

Other lifestyle changes that can help slow the effect of emphysema on the lungs include regular exercise, which is known to increase lung capacity. Doctors recommend seasonal vaccines against flu for those with emphysema, as getting sick can significantly worsen symptoms and lead to complications such as pneumonia and respiratory infections. Maintaining a healthy weight is also critical, as overweight or obese people have more lung strain and a greater need for oxygen.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Jessica Ellis
By Jessica Ellis
With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica Ellis brings a unique perspective to her work as a writer for WiseGeek. While passionate about drama and film, Jessica enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics, creating content that is both informative and engaging for readers.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica Ellis...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-the-effect-of-emphysema-on-the-lungs.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.