Emphysema:
A condition of the lungs, in which the small air sacs of the lungs, know as alveoli expand and dilate secondary to numerous causes. As the alveoli expand the ability to add oxygen and remove CO2 to and from the blood is compromised. Emphysema can be caused by cigarette smoking, inhalation of toxic fumes and some congenital diseases. Emphysema is often grouped with a group of lung diseases referred to as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Depending on the degree of emphysema, surgery may be performed.
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