What is Emphysema?

Normal Airway

 

 Emphysema

Emphysema involves destruction of the walls of the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. This results in fewer air sacs, but the air sacs are larger because destruction of the air sac walls has caused multiple air sacs to merge. These large, irregular shaped air sacs have poor gas exchange capabilities (oxygen and carbon dioxide). This means that the air sacs are not able to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream as well as healthy air sacs.

Furthermore, like a rubber party balloon that has been blown up and deflated many times, the emphysematous air sacs loose their elasticity (ability to stretch and shrink with breathing). This results in ‘stale’ air becoming trapped in the air sacs. Over time, this causes the air sacs, and the lungs, to become even bigger (hyperinflation). Hyperinflated lungs do not function as well as normal lungs.

The hallmark symptom of emphysema is shortness of breath. Smoking cigarettes is the primary cause of emphysema.

Are you, or is someone you care about feeling short of breath? National Jewish Health can help. Learn more about National Jewish Health's clinical COPD program.

Learn more facts about emphysema from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This information has been approved by Russel Bowler, MD, Ph.D. (March 2006).