Final answer:
Emphysema is a lung condition where the alveoli are damaged due to exposure to irritants like tobacco smoke, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath and chronic cough. It is an aspect of COPD, which also includes chronic bronchitis, and while incurable, its progression can be slowed by avoiding irritants.
Step-by-step explanation:
Emphysema is a condition of the lungs characterized by damage to the alveoli, the tiny air sacs that facilitate gas exchange in the respiratory system. This disease is typically caused by exposure to tobacco smoke and other irritants that lead to lung tissue breakdown and the deposition of particulate matter in lung tissue. Over time, the walls of the alveoli are destroyed, reducing the surface area available for gas exchange, which can result in symptoms such as shortness of breath, chronic cough, and wheezing, especially during expiration. A notable consequence of this destruction is the trapping of air in the lungs, due to reduced lung elasticity, making full exhalation difficult and thus interfering with normal breathing.
Emphysema is a major component of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a term also encompassing chronic bronchitis, which shares similar causes and symptoms. COPD is characterized by chronic poor airflow and can lead to severe limitations in physical activity as it progresses. Although there is no cure for emphysema or COPD, cessation of smoking and avoidance of other lung irritants can slow the progression of these diseases.