Emphysema is a serious lung condition that can cause shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. It is caused by damage to the alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lungs. This damage can be caused by smoking, air pollution, and other factors. Emphysema is a progressive disease, meaning that it gets worse over time. There is no cure for emphysema, but there are treatments that can help to slow its progression and improve symptoms.
Avoiding emphysema is important for maintaining good lung health. There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of developing emphysema, including: