|
Emphysema
Emphysema is a chronic progressive lung condition that affects the structure of the lung. Emphysema occurs when the walls of the alveoli (the small air sacs in the lung) and the capillary blood vessels become damaged, typically from smoking. Emphysema reduces the total surface area of the lung making it harder to breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. Resulting effects of emphysema include hyperventilation (increased breathing rate), pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs) and hypertrophy (an enlarged heart which can result in heart failure). |
