Exploring Emphysema

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Definition of Emphysema
Emphysema is a long-term respiratory disease that is also one of the many diseases, for the most part, known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). ((n.d.). Merriam-Webster). In the course of Emphysema, the alveoli, which are tiny air sacs in the lungs, are continuously demolished making it progressively harder and harder to breathe. When the narrow, fragile alveoli become damaged and or destroyed in any way, the lungs will no longer have its’ natural elasticity that it once had. This causes the alveoli to stretch beyond its capacity or even rupture. (WebMD,2008-2013). Then that’s where the lack of oxygen comes in. Because of the destruction of the alveoli’s, your body isn’t getting the right amount of oxygen it needs, if any. With that being said the alveoli’s also would be unable or even less able to get rid of carbon dioxide that doesn’t need to be in our bodies.
Emphysema has many causes. The main cause is long term exposure to airborne irritants. (Mayo Cliff Staff). Those include tobacco smoke, marijuana smoke, air pollution, manufacturing fumes, and coal and silica dust. Of all of those airborne irritants smoking is the leading cause. Many think that secondhand smoke isn’t that bad, well it’s still a major risk when it comes to Emphysema. Emphysema can also be inherited, but that happens very seldom. (Rasmussen & Brandt).
Emphysema has a lot of symptoms, although they are not always noticeable. A lot of common symptoms are wheezing, coughing, bringing up phlegm, tightness in chest, constant fatigue, difficulty sleeping, morning headaches, weight loss, and lethargy. All of the symptoms are signs that you should pay attention to, but the most important ...

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...sociation. Retrieved from http://www.lung.ca/diseases-maladies/a-z/emphysema-emphyseme/index_e.php?print=1
Emphysema -. (n.d.). Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved September 26, 2013, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emphysema
Emphysema -. (n.d.). Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved September 26, 2013, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emphysema
Emphysema. (n.d.). Emphysema. Retrieved from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/298283-overview
Emphysema. (n.d.). Merriam-Webster. Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/emphysema
Emphysema. (n.d.). WebMD. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/lung/emphysema
Leary, W. E. (1996, May 14). Debating the Benefits and Costs of Major Surgery for Emphysema. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/1996/05/14/science/debating-the-benefits-and-costs-of-major-surgery-for-emphysema.html

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