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Emphysema

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Emphysema
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Emphysema

Emphysema is a chronic lung disease caused by damage to the alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lung where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place. With emphysema, damage to the alveoli results in air becoming trapped, causing them to expand and rupture.

Damage to alveoli, and the resultant compromise in air exchange results in a decreased level of oxygen in the blood (hypoxemia) combined with an increased level of carbon dioxide in the blood (hypercapnia).

Shortness of breath:   The most common symptom of emphysema is shortness of breath. It often comes on gradually, occurring at first only with activity. As the disease progresses, shortness of breath (dyspnea) also occurs at rest.
Cough:   A persistent cough is very common and is sometimes difficult to distinguish from a smoker's cough.
Production of sputum or phlegm
Wheezing.   Emphysema, at least in the early stages, can be somewhat difficult to distinguish from asthma. The difference is that with asthma the airway obstruction is reversible whereas with emphysema it is not.
Frequent respiratory infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia
Chest pain
Cyanosis:   Blueness of the fingers and lips
Exercise intolerance:   Some people do not notice shortness of breath directly, but instead note that they are unable to as physically active as they once were, for example, it becomes difficult to walk as far or to climb as many flights of steps.
Cigarette smoking is responsible for at least 85 percent of cases of emphysema and COPD.
However, not all smokers will develop it, only those who are genetically susceptible.
Other inhaled toxins that can lead to emphysema and COPD include work-related ones. In some countries, smoke from indoor cooking and heating is the main cause.

Other contributory risk factors are:
low bolow body weight
air pollution
occupational dust, such as mineral dust or cotton dust
inhaled chemicals, including coal, grains, isocyanates, cadmium
childhood respiratory disorders, either a viral infection, or possibly asthma
https://www.google.co.in/search?q=Emphysema&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjf4_LW--LXAhXIuI8KHf3GDnkQ_AUICigB&biw=1366&bih=613#imgrc=1b3RdVDFf2AqbM:
https://www.verywell.com/what-is-emphysema-2249091
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/8934.php
Emphysema

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