What cause emphysema?

facts about emphysema

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It is when the lungs fill up with liquid.

mainly smoking!

Mainly smoking, but you can also get it through pollution or working in a dust filled area for many years.

Cigarette smoking
or
Alpha-1 protein deficiency.

About 2 out of every 1,000 people have an alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. People who smoke and have AAT deficiency are almost certain to develop emphysema.

http://www.ehealthmd.com/library/Emphyse...

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Anything that keeps the bronchial passages from being completely open for prolonged periods of time over many years can do the trick. Smoking, and dust inhalation are the two most common causes.

Smoking accounts for 85% of all people who pass-away attributable to emphysema, lung disease and lung cancer. Cigarette smoking is the major cause of emphysema and lung disease. When exposed to cigarette smoke, the air sacs of the lungs produce defensive cells, called macrophages, which "eat" the inhaled particles. But macrophages are stimulated to release materials which can destroy the proteins that let the lungs expand and contract, called elastin and collagen.

much more at web page!

Emphysema is the results of the alveoli(air sacs) in the lung getting too stiff to contract properly. This interferes with blood gas exchange. Ppl with emphysema can usually get enough air in, but have trouble blowing it out. This causes a rise in their carbon dioxide level. If they live long enough, they will basically suffocate to death. Much worse way to die than cancer.

Smoking and air pollution in general is thought to be the primary cause. There is a genetic component tho, as with most illnesses. Some ppl smoke 'til they're a 100 with no significant problem. Others never smoke and still get emphysema.

alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency. This causes autodigestion of the alveoli by trypsin causing permanent dilatation.