Emphysema is a respiratory disease in a category known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. COPD is a disease that causes obstruction of the airflow through the small airways deep inside your lungs. Emphysema is a chronic condition that gets progressively worse over time. It is estimated that up to 14 million Americans have some degree of COPD.

Additionally, approximately 120,000 people will die each year in America of complications due to COPD.

Emphysema causes an abnormal and permanent enlargement of the very small airways located in your lungs. This enlargement causes and obstruction of the airflow, making it very difficult for a person to breathe properly. Most people with emphysema will not experience symptoms until they are 50 or 60 years old. Symptoms often take many years to develop to a point where they become bothersome. Frequent symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, fatigue, and weight loss.

There are two primary subtypes of emphysema. They are defined by the type of damage that is done to the lungs, as well as the root cause of the disorder. Both subtypes of emphysema caused the lungs to become chronically overinflated. People with emphysema will have difficulty breathing in and out as the airways become progressively more obstructed.

By far the most common of subtype of emphysema is known as centriacinar emphysema. Centriacinar emphysema causes damage to a very specific part of the lung. Typically, the most commonly affected area of the lung is a part known as the respiratory bronchiole. The respiratory bronchioles will become enlarged and dilated. This prevents airflow from properly entering and leaving the lungs as you breathe. This type of emphysema is most commonly associated with cigarette smoking.

The second type of emphysema is known as panacinar emphysema. This subtype is much less common than centriacinar. It is generally only seen in people who have a very specific genetic deficiency of an enzyme known as alpha-1 antitrypsin. Alpha-1 antitrypsin is a chemical made by your body which is vital to the proper functioning of your lungs. A deficiency of this enzyme will cause damage to your lungs over time. Of course, smoking can make this inborn deficiency even worse, although it is quite possible for this type of emphysema to be seen in people who have never smoked cigarettes.

Both centriacinar and panacinar emphysema are treated in a similar fashion. Discontinuing smoking is a key element in the treatment of both types of emphysema. Medications known as bronchodilators are often used to open the airways and allow a person to breeze more easily. In addition, many people will get oxygen therapy. This involves the use of supplemental oxygen provided from a tank.

Both types of emphysema can be very debilitating diseases. If you or someone you know is suffering from emphysema, it is important to seek proper medical treatment in order to control the symptoms and potential complications of this disease.

Learn more about this author, Erich Rosenberger M.D..
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