Emphysema
Emphysema is another disease of the lungs, relatively related, or similar to, bronchitis. Both diseases are chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (CHOD). However the effects and causes of emphysema are more severe than bronchitis. The basic definition of emphysema is the enlargement, and eventual destruction, of the organs inside the lungs (bronchi, alveoli, bronchioles). The passage ways and the actual lungs decrease in elasticity since the enzymes that carry away the foreign particles cannot get to the lining in time. The foreign particles stick to the cilia and mucous on the lining of the passageways and refrain the "branches" from moving as needed. The same type of thing happens with the lining of the lung tissue, causing it to either not expand the right amount, or to not recoil fast enough. All these things cause difficulty breathing and wheezing. At some point during the disease, breathing can become painful.
Another problem in emphysema is the eventual collapse of the bronchi. The passageways get so clogged and spread out that they can't hold the tension anymore (sine the elasticity is lost) and their walls collapse inwards. This clogs the air passageway, causing even more trouble breathing and wheezing. With the air flow cut off, the alveoli lose their purpose and the blood cells die off. Eventually the alveoli and bronchioles become just empty passages and holes. When it comes to this stage, especially in chronic patients which are more common, emphysema may become fatal. Some causes of emphysema are gases, smoke, germs, and allergens. In smokers, the enzymes that clear out the lungs don't work properly, therefore emphysema occurs.
Another problem in emphysema is the eventual collapse of the bronchi. The passageways get so clogged and spread out that they can't hold the tension anymore (sine the elasticity is lost) and their walls collapse inwards. This clogs the air passageway, causing even more trouble breathing and wheezing. With the air flow cut off, the alveoli lose their purpose and the blood cells die off. Eventually the alveoli and bronchioles become just empty passages and holes. When it comes to this stage, especially in chronic patients which are more common, emphysema may become fatal. Some causes of emphysema are gases, smoke, germs, and allergens. In smokers, the enzymes that clear out the lungs don't work properly, therefore emphysema occurs.