What is COPD and Emphysema?
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. COPD has two subtypes, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD causes narrowing of the airways and can cause damage.
Smoking is the most common cause of COPD. Inhaling toxic gases or fumes can also be another cause of COPD. A genetic problem can also cause COPD, and there is a blood test to check for that.
Emphysema is a condition in which the alveoli at the end of the smallest air passages (bronchioles) of the lungs are destroyed due to damaging exposure to cigarette smoke and other irritating gases and particulate matter.
When they exhale, the air in their lungs may remain trapped there for people who have emphysema. The damaged alveoli will not work correctly, which will make it harder to breathe, as there is not enough room in the lungs for fresher air and oxygen to enter. Treatment for COPD may slow the disease’s progression, but It can’t reverse the damage that has already happened.
Most patients with COPD have chronic bronchitis or emphysema. Some may also have asthma, a different lung disease that can also cause airway narrowing due to airway inflammation.
Do you think you have COPD with Emphysema? Call our Pulmonary Clinic at (978) 254-4983 to get scheduled as soon as possible. Click here to Contact Us. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911.