Final answer:
Emphysema is caused by the breakdown of lung tissue in chronic smokers, leading to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD reduces lung capacity and impairs gas exchange. The death of a chronic smoker who has emphysema can be attributed to respiratory failure, increased risk of infections, or heart complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Emphysema is the result of lung tissue breakdown in chronic smokers. The chemicals in cigarette smoke, such as carbon monoxide and cyanide, reduce the elasticity of alveoli, leading to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is an incurable condition that reduces lung capacity and impairs gas exchange. In the case of a chronic smoker who develops emphysema and dies, the cause of death would be attributed to the consequences of COPD, such as respiratory failure, increased susceptibility to infections, or heart complications.