Emphysema
Emphysema destroys the tiny air sacs in the lungs known as alveoli. In emphysema, the lungs lose elasticity and are no longer able to fully expand and refill with fresh air. This is a result of the air sacs being unable to completely deflate.
Lung tissue is damaged, which interferes with the flow of oxygen between the lungs and blood. The common signs and symptoms of emphysema include:
- Chronic cough
- Fatigue
- Bluish color of skin
- Shortness of breath
- Weight loss