What is emphysema?

Breakdown of walls: Of the small air pouches in your lung, called alveoli. When the walls become damaged, the alveoli merge into one larger pouch, decreasing the surface area where gas exchange can occur. Think of this by comparing the surface area of a ballon of equal size to a bunch of grapes. Though individually smaller, there are many grapes in the same volume, so more surface area.

COPD late stage: Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are but parts of COPD (obstructive pulmonary disease). In emphysema, the continual inflammation causes damage to the lungs that cannot be repaired or will go away. If you smoke- quit if you don't- don;t start.