Emphysema

Emphysema is a lung disease that reduces the ability of the lungs to breathe properly. This condition affects the elasticity of the lungs. Emphysema is one of several irreversible lung diseases that diminish the ability to exhale. This group of diseases is called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The two major diseases in this category are emphysema and chronic bronchitis, which usually develop together.