Glossary

Emphysema

Emphysema

Emphysem·Also: Lungenemphysem

In pulmonary emphysema, the fine air sacs of the lungs are over-expanded and partly destroyed, so that the lungs are less able to exchange air. The typical consequence is increasing shortness of breath. The main cause is many years of smoking.

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Editorial content · as of 9/5/2026