How long does emphysema take to occur?

Some years: Emphysema is a gradual scarring of the lung tissue. The damage occurs slowly over many years. People who smoke 3-4 packs a day are likely to develop emphysema more quickly than someone who smokes 1/2 pack a day, but both will have the same problem difficulty breathing once the emphysema is sufficiently advanced.

Years: Due to lung tissue damage, there is less area for oxygen exchange. This damage is generally due to long term tobacco use or exposure to industrial toxins that are known to cause lung tissue damage. Early signs include shortness of breath with exertion and frequent upper respiratory infections.

Depends...: The time it takes to develop COPD depends on many factors including genetic factors and the amount of cigarettes smoked over time. The more you smoke and the longer you smoke increases your risk of developing this disease. Smoking cessation decreases the risk of developing this disease.