In 2021, an estimated 14 million adults in the United States reported a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. If you’re not sure what the ...

The longer and more frequently you smoke, the higher your chances of developing emphysema. It’s well known that smoking can have a widespread impact on your body. While most people think of just ...

Emphysema falls under the umbrella of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There are three main types of emphysema, and these differ according to which distinct lung parts, or lobules, they ...

Emphysema is not hereditary. It usually results from smoking or exposure to other harmful lung irritants. However, a rare genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) passed down in ...

Starting emphysema treatment in the earliest (mild) stage, when you may have a nagging cough and increased mucus production, may help you maintain a better quality of life for a longer period of time.