Emphysema and Prevention

The breathing tubes (bronchi) are kept free of mucus and infection by small hairs (cilia). Cilia move the mucus continually toward the throat where it is swallowed. Cigarette smoking destroys these cilia so that the mucus cannot be cleared and bacteria can live within the lung. Partial blockage of the breathing tubes makes it difficult to exhale. The inflammation and the increased respiratory effort rupture the small air sacs in the lung; this causes loss of the surface area necessary for the exchange of oxygen. This results in slow oxygen starvation, great limitation in function, and usually leads to multiple hospitalizations. The side effects of treatment are often also major problems.

Prevention

Over 90 percent of emphysema results from cigarette smoking. Pipe and cigar smoke (if not inhaled) does not increase risk. Stopping smoking early in the process will allow stabilization. Although this condition does not reverse, stop smoking at any point is helpful.