What are the Causes of Emphysema?

Emphysema is an illness that affects lung tissue and causes shortness of breath. The two main causes of emphysema are smoking and alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency, a condition where the body is deficient in a protein that protects lung tissue. These factors both damage air sacs in the lungs, reducing the amount of oxygen that reaches the bloodstream. An emphysema diagnosis can be made when an individual experiencing symptoms of lung disease visits his or her health care provider. The provider can discuss the individual's risk for emphysema, run a variety of tests, and if necessary formulate a treatment plan to manage the condition.

Cigarette smoking is a well-known risk factor for developing lung disease, and one of the most common causes of emphysema. Tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemicals, and inhaling the smoke permanently damages the lungs' ability to function properly. Tar, a thick, sticky substance present in cigarette smoke, deposits in the lungs of a smoker. The lungs work hard to clear the tar from the body, but eventually the alveoli, or air sacs, are irreversibly damaged. They fuse to each other, weaken, and are no longer able to effectively provide oxygen to the bloodstream.

Cigar and pipe smoking are also causes of emphysema and other lung conditions. It was once popularly believed that only cigarette smoke entered the lungs and raised a person's risk of developing emphysema. Modern research has determined that this is untrue, and smoking and emphysema are closely linked—whether the smoke comes from a cigarette, a pipe, or a cigar.

Individuals with alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency are not able to produce a sufficient amount of the substance alpha 1-antitrypsin. This important liver protein protects the lungs from a potentially damaging enzyme called neutrophil elastase. The main function of neutrophil elastase is to combat old or damaged cells and promote healing; however, elastase also destroys healthy lung tissue. Alpha 1-antitrypsin protects the lungs by keeping elastase in check. An individual with a deficiency in alpha 1-antitrypsin is likely to develop emphysema and other irreversible lung diseases.

The four stages of emphysema are at-risk, mild, moderate, and severe. As the individual progresses through the different stages, he or she can experience a decrease in breathing ability and quality of life. Although emphysema cannot be cured, an emphysema prognosis might improve if the individual seeks medical attention and pursues an emphysema treatment plan. Developing healthy habits and avoiding the causes of emphysema whenever possible are important steps toward maintaining optimal lung health and managing the symptoms of lung disease.