The Facts

Emphysema is a chronic lung condition in which the lungs' natural airspaces, called alveoli, become larger but decrease in number. The tissue surrounding the alveoli loses elasticity so that the airspaces can no longer expand and shrink as usual. This reduces the amount of oxygen transferred by the lungs to the bloodstream. Air gets trapped in these spaces rather than exhaled, making it more difficult for you to breathe. Emphysema can be part of a lung disease called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD.

Emphysema usually results from exposure to toxins like cigarettes as well as air pollution, dust, chemical fumes, and irritants. Older adults are more likely to be affected and many people who have emphysema are not aware that they have it. The damage of emphysema cannot be reversed, but treatment may help slow the progression of the disease.

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Cigarette smoking is the number one cause of emphysema. Although smoking has decreased in Canada for many years, it's still a major concern. A huge majority of emphysema sufferers are current smokers or have smoked in the past. Smoking is responsible for 80% to 90% of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) cases, including emphysema. Smoking is also responsible for the majority of all lung cancer cases in Canada. A burning cigarette emits over 4,000 different chemicals, many of which are carcinogenic (cancer-causing) or otherwise toxic to living tissue. Being exposed to secondhand smoke also increases your risk of developing emphysema.




Symptoms and Complications



Chronic lung damage prevents the heart from circulating blood normally. Lung damage can cause pressure elevations in the part of the heart that moves blood through the lungs. This is called pulmonary hypertension and is suspected when people with emphysema develop leg swelling, abdominal bloating, or prominent pulsations in the veins in the neck. As the heart tries to pump blood into the damaged lungs, it can cause enlargement and strain on the right side of the heart that can lead to heart failure.

Bullae can rupture outside the lung into the pleural space (the space that surrounds the lung). As the air accumulates outside the lung, it may result in a life-threatening condition called pneumothorax – a collapsed lung. The body may also attempt to compensate for the low oxygen level by increasing the number of red blood cells (secondary polycythemia). Sometimes, the increase in red blood cells can be so severe that it causes blood clots.

Making the Diagnosis



Treatment and Prevention


Treatments include:

  • Antibiotics when there is evidence of infection.
  • Exercise can help strengthen muscles so that less demand is placed on the lungs with activity.



  • Avoid secondhand smoke.
  • Avoid air pollution as much as possible.
  • Exercise when possible
  • Use air conditioning with a filter and humidity control.
  • Avoid cold air, which can cause the lungs to spasm
  • Avoid high altitudes.
