emphysema Definition
- 1a condition in which the air sacs of the lungs are damaged and enlarged, causing breathlessness.
- 2a lung disease characterized by loss of elasticity of lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli, and partial collapse of small airways
Using emphysema: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "emphysema" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Smoking is a major cause of emphysema.
Example
The patient has been diagnosed with emphysema.
Example
Shortness of breath is a common symptom of emphysema.
emphysema Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for emphysema
- COPD
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Phrases with emphysema
centrilobular emphysema
a type of emphysema that affects the central part of the lung lobule
Example
Centrilobular emphysema is more common in smokers.
panlobular emphysema
a type of emphysema that affects the entire lung lobule
Example
Panlobular emphysema is more common in people with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
Example
Bullous emphysema can cause the lungs to collapse.
Origins of emphysema
from Greek 'emphysan' meaning 'inflate'
Summary: emphysema in Brief
Emphysema [em-fuh-see-muh] is a lung disease characterized by damage and enlargement of the air sacs in the lungs, leading to breathlessness. It is often caused by smoking and is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Emphysema can be classified into different types such as centrilobular, panlobular, and bullous emphysema.
