Description
Explain the causes and symptoms of emphysema.
Explanation & Answer
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Emphysema is a long-term, progressive disease of the lungs that primarily causes shortness of breath as a result of over-inflation of the alveoli (air sacs in the lungs).
CAUSES
Cigarette smoking in the most dangerous behavior thatpeople to develop this disease
deficiency of alpha-1-antitrypsin enzyme
air pollution
air way reactivity
heredity
male sex and
age
symptoms
shortness of breath is the most common symptom of emphysema.
cough, sometimes caused by production of mucus
wheezing can also be a symptom of the disease
Emphysema usually develops slowly that you may not have any acute episodes of shortness of breath.
slow deterioration is the rule and it may go unnoticed. This is especially the case if you are a smoker or have other medical problems that limit your ability to exercise.