Emphysema the damage of the air sacs in the lungs (alveoli) and along with chronic bronchitis leads to a lung condition called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Emphysema most commonly affects middle-aged or older adults, who some or have a history of smoking. The condition tends to worsen gradually, and many people don’t realise they have it.   

Emphysema creates damage to the inner walls of the air sacs. They eventually weaken and rupture, creating larger air pockets instead of many smaller ones. This decreases the surface area of the lungs, and in turn the amount of oxygen that reaches your bloodstream.

When exhaling the damaged alveoli trap air inside, leaving no room for fresh air to enter.

The main symptom of emphysema is shortness of breath, which you may find begins to interfere with daily tasks and activities.

This is a dangerous condition and left untreated many people with emphysema develop heart problems as a result of the pressure put on the arteries connecting the heart and the lungs. Large holes can form in the lungs called bullae; these can eventually lead to a collapsed lung (pneumothorax).

Emphysema and COPD can’t be cured, however there are a few options that may help. Bronchodilators are drugs that help relieve coughing and breathing problems by relaxing restricted airways.

Steroid inhalers help to reduce inflammation and relieve shortness of breath. Antibiotics can be prescribed if you have a bacterial infection.

A type of therapy, called pulmonary rehabilitation can teach you breathing exercises and techniques that reduce your breathlessness. In some cases, supplemental oxygen, administered via a narrow tube in your nose can help increase blood oxygen levels – many people use oxygen 24 hours a day to provide relief.

In extreme cases surgery may be required, either a lung volume reduction surgery, where sections of the damaged tissue is removed, or a full lung transplant.

There are no methods to reverse the damage caused to the lungs, but stopping smoking, exercising regularly, avoiding cold air, and respiratory infections may aid in halting the progress of emphysema.