Emphysema
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Emphysema
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In emphysema, the tiny air sacs (alveoli) at the end of the airways are damaged. When air sacs are damaged or destroyed, their walls break down and the sacs become larger. These larger air sacs move less oxygen into the blood, which can leave you feeling short of breath. After air sacs are destroyed, they cannot be replaced.
Credits
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Ken Y. Yoneda, MD - Pulmonology |
| Last Updated | June 16, 2006 |
| Last updated: | June 16, 2006 |
|---|---|
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Ken Y. Yoneda, MD - Pulmonology |
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