1. 1
Emphysema one of several diseases known as chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD), and smoking a lead cause of emphysema. i
Emphysema is a chronic respiratory disease where there is over-
inflation of the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs, causing a decrease in lung
function and breathlessness. Emphysema is a most common cause of
death from respiratory disease throughout the United States, and the
most common cause of death. There are 1.8 million Americans with
the disease, which ranks fifteenth among chronic conditions that cause
limitations of activity. The disease usually caused by smoking, but a
small number of cases are caused by inherited defect, it is most
common among people aged 50 and older. Those with inherited
emphysema may experience the onset as early as their thirties and
forties. Men are more likely than women to develop emphysema, but
female cases are increasing as the number of female smokers rises.ii
A main symptom is breath shortness which begins gradually.
Other symptoms: a) not able to talk due breath shortness; b) lips or
fingernails turn blue or gray; c) not mentally alert; and a fast heartbeat.
A main cause of emphysema is long-term exposure to airborne
irritants: a) tobacco and marijuana smoke; b) air pollution; c) inherited
deficiency of protein that protects elastic lung structures. This is called
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency emphysema.

2. 2
Factors increasing risk of developing emphysema are: a) smoking;
b) age; c) secondhand smoke exposure; d) occupational exposure to
fumes or dust; e) and indoor and outdoor pollution.
People will likely develop: a) collapsed lungs (pneumothorax); b)
heart problems; c) large holes in lungs (giant bullae).
Tests and diagnosis are used to determine emphysema; a
physician may recommend imaging, lab and function tests. Imaging
tests include: a) chest X-ray; b) computerized tomography (CT); c) lab
tests; and finally lung function tests such as the Spirometer.
Emphysema can’t be cured, but treatments can help relieve
symptoms and slow the disease progression. There are medications: a)
smoking cessation drugs; b) bronchodilators; c) inhaled steroids; and
antibiotics. There are therapy services: a) pulmonary rehabilitation; b)
supplemental oxygen, and surgery: a) lung volume, and lung transplant.
Lifestyle and home remedies can halt emphysema progression
and protecting people from complications. First, stop smoking - the
most important and the only thing halting the progression. This
depends on existing lung damage. It is rarely irreversible. Second,
avoid respiratory irritants – paint fumes, auto exhaust, some cooking
odors, certain perfumes, burning candles and incense. Third, regular

3. 3
exercise - not allowing breathing problems affect exercise which
significantly increases lung capacity. Fourth, protection from cold air –
which can cause spasms of bronchial passages making breathing
difficult. During winter, a soft scarf or cold air mask purchased at a
pharmacy. Finally, avoid respiratory infections - by pneumonia and
annual influenza immunizations as advised by physician, avoid direct
contact with others having a cold or flu, and mingling with large groups.
Always keep hand sanitizers for use.
Individuals with emphysema are provided coping and support
strategies such as discussing with family, friends, physicians (primary,
psychiatric, psychological, and specialty clinic staff) regarding personal
needs, and coming to terms of living with emphysema. Finally, it is
encouraged to get involved in a group with others having emphysema.
Support groups under the guidance of a licensed clinical social
worker, physician psychologist, college and university interns, or
resident physician. These groups are diverse and offer other groups
based on people’s needs, some groups are (men only) and (women
only), and others open to both genders. For confidentiality and privacy
(what’s discussed stays there) if either is violated it can result in
dismissal from the group. Finally, facilitators and attendees can provide
information for coping and relaxation skills, recent treatment advances,

4. 4
and networking. Abstaining from smoking and avoiding secondhand
smoke. Finally, observe warning signs and use training received and
wear protective clothing if working with dangerous materials.
In conclusion, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, known as
chronic obstructive lung disease, chronic airway disease, chronic airflow
limitation, and chronic obstructive respiratory disease. COPD is lung
diseaseiii
, commonly caused by tobacco smoke, with other factors
playing a less common roleiv, and triggering inflammatory response in
lungsv
. COPD defined on low airflow on lung function testsvi
.
In contrast to asthma, it is rarely irreversible and increasingly
worse over time. Management involves no smoking, vaccinations,
rehabilitation, and inhaled bronchodilators. Some people benefit from
long-term oxygen therapy or lung transplantation. Worldwide, COPD -
is sixth cause of death in 1990. Mortality rates will rise due increased
smoking rates and aging population in many countriesvii
. COPD - is third
cause of death in the U.S., and economic burden of COPD in U.S. in
2007 was $42.6 billion in health care costs and lost productivityviiiix
.
Finally, according to 2013 ICD-9-CM Diseases of Respiratory
System (460-519), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Allied
Conditions (490-496), are described as chronic airway obstruction,
irreversible of air flow from the lungs (496).x

5. 5
Endnotes
i
1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
(MFMER).
ii Beers, Mark H., and Robert Berkow, editors. The Merck Manual of
Diagnosis and Therapy. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Company,
Inc., 2004.
iii
Vestbo, Jorgen (2013). Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive lung
Disease. P. Chapter 1.
iv
Decramer M, Janssen’s W, Miravitlles M (April 2012). Chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease.
v
Rabe KF, Hurd S. Anzueto A et al. (2007). Global Strategy for the
Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease: GOLD Executive Summary.
vi
Nathen, L.; Nathell, M.; Malmberg, P.; Larsson, K. (2007). COPD
diagnosis related to different guidelines and spirometer techniques.
vii
Mathers CD, Loncar D (November 2006). Projections of Global
Mortality and Burden of Disease from 2002 to 2030.
viii
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). 02-15-2012
ix 2007 NHLBI Morbidity and Mortality Chart Book..
x
2013 ICD-9-CM Diagnosis Codes. Diagnosis of the Respiratory System
(490-519).