What is ( Emphysema ) and what can be done to cure it ?

Answer 1

Emphysema is a chronic lung disease. It is often caused by exposure to toxic chemicals or long-term exposure to tobacco smoke.

Emphysema is characterised by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue; destruction of structures supporting the alveoli; and destruction of capillaries feeding the alveoli. The result is that the small airways collapse during expiration, leading to an obstructive form of lung disease (air is trapped in the lungs in obstructive lung diseases). Symptoms are: shortness of breath on exertion--particularly when climbing stairs or inclines (and later at rest), hyperventilation and an expanded chest. As emphysema progresses, clubbing of the fingers may be observed, a feature of longstanding hypoxia.

Emphysema is an irreversible degenerative condition. The most important measure that can be taken to slow the progression of emphysema is for the patient to stop smoking and avoid all exposure to cigarette smoke and lung irritants.

Answer 2

It is what kept my grandmother from seeing me graduate from high school... cause she was on oxygen and couldn't get from the car to the stands... it is from her smoking for 40 years and is what also lead to her early death... a horrible disease that mainly comes from smoking!!!

Answer 3

Not cureable. Manageable, but must stop the cause, ie smoking