Difference between revisions of "Emphysema"
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| − | '''Emphysema''' is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) involving damage to the air sacs ([[alveoli]]) in the [[lung]]s. As a result, the body does not get the [[oxygen]] it needs. Emphysema makes it hard for the victim to catch their breath. They may also have a chronic cough and have trouble breathing during exercise. | + | '''Emphysema''' is "a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) involving damage to the air sacs ([[alveoli]]) in the [[lung]]s. As a result, the [body] does not get the [[oxygen]] it needs. Emphysema makes it hard for [the victim] to catch [their] breath. [They] may also have a chronic cough and have trouble breathing during exercise."<ref>http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/emphysema.html</ref> |
| − | The most common cause is cigarette [[smoking]]. Quitting can help prevent getting the disease or alleviate its effects. | + | If untreated, emphysema sufferers often have so much trouble breathing that they must be put on a [[ventilator]]. The disease is often fatal, but the death is very slow and painful. |
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| + | The most common cause is cigarette [[smoking]]. Quitting smoking can help prevent getting the disease or alleviate its effects. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 13:31, October 6, 2008
Emphysema is "a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) involving damage to the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. As a result, the [body] does not get the oxygen it needs. Emphysema makes it hard for [the victim] to catch [their] breath. [They] may also have a chronic cough and have trouble breathing during exercise."[1]
If untreated, emphysema sufferers often have so much trouble breathing that they must be put on a ventilator. The disease is often fatal, but the death is very slow and painful.
The most common cause is cigarette smoking. Quitting smoking can help prevent getting the disease or alleviate its effects.