Emphysema is a long-term (chronic), irreversible lung disease
that occurs when the tiny air sacs in the lungs are damaged,
usually as a result of long-term smoking. It causes difficulty
breathing and shortness of breath that gets worse over time.
Emphysema is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD). A rare type of emphysema is caused by the lack of a
substance in the lungs called alpha1-antitrypsin. This type of
emphysema is usually inherited. eMedicineHealth Medical
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