Emphysema

Emphysema refers to a pathological condition characterized by decreased elasticity, overdistension, hyperinflation, and increased lung volume, or concomitant destruction of airway walls, in the airways distal to the terminal bronchioles (respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, alveolar sacs, and alveoli). Essentially, it is not an independent disease but merely a pathological term indicating the destruction of the anatomical gas exchange area of the lung (alveoli). The main symptoms of emphysema include chest tightness, shortness of breath, cough, sputum production, dyspnea, palpitations, and cyanosis of the lips and fingernails.