Emphysema is not hereditary. It usually results from smoking or exposure to other harmful lung irritants. However, a rare genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) passed down in ...

Emphysema happens when the small air sacs in your lungs become damaged. There are three types of emphysema, which are categorized based on the appearance of lung damage as seen on imaging. Emphysema ...

A CT scan of healthy lungs looks typical in size with no inflammation, allowing the diaphragm to dome. Lungs with emphysema can look overinflated, with muscle loss, making the diaphragm misshapen. The ...

Emphysema causes a chronic, hacking cough that often feels tight and uncomfortable due to inflammation and mucus buildup in the airways. The cough may sound dry or wheezy and can be accompanied by ...