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| Define Emphysema |
Question:
Can somebody please define or explain emphysema for me?
Answer:
Emphysema is defined as a chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD) that evolves over a period of time. Specifically,
emphysema destroys the structural architecture of the lungs and
results in destruction of the alveoli, the approximately three million
tiny air sacs in the lungs. Oxygen is delivered to the lungs and
carbon dioxide is carried from the lungs across the walls of the
alveoli; as more and more alveoli are damaged, it becomes harder and
harder for the lungs to function.
Over 90% of all cases of emphysema
are caused by long-term smoking of cigarettes or other tobacco
products. In rare cases, emphysema is inherited and results from a
deficiency of a protein known as alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor.
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