Think of air sacs in the lungs as clusters of grapes. Emphysema occurs when the air sacs at the end of the lung’s smallest air passages (the tiniest grapes) are slowly destroyed. In emphysema, the inner walls of the air sacs weaken and eventually rupture — creating one larger air space instead of many small ones. This reduces the surface area of the lungs and the amount of oxygen that can reach the bloodstream. According to the Mayo Clinic, smoking cigarettes is the leading cause of emphysema.
If you have shortness of breath, a chronic cough, chest pain or tightness, or wheezing, see your doctor immediately.
