Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that is recognized to impact the alveoli, or air sacs in the lungs. Because the walls of the air sacs are destroyed or weakened, emphysema decreases the amount of lung surface area available for gas exchange. This leads to wheezing, coughing, and breathing problems. The most prevalent causes of emphysema are prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and other lung irritants like chemical fumes or air pollution. A history of recurrent lung infections, a family history of lung illness, and a rare genetic condition known as Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency are additional risk factors for emphysema. Emphysema is usually treated with drugs to widen the airways, pulmonary rehabilitation exercises, and, in more serious cases, oxygen therapy or lung tissue removal surgery. Learn more about what is emphysema at IMC Hospital.