A chest x ray showing emphysema Emphysema is physical destruction of lung tissue that results in obstruction to air flow and development of enlarged air sacs in the lungs Emphysema is a smoking related disease that causes progressive obstruction of the airways and destruction of lung tissue At least 75 of all cases of emphysema occur in cigarette smokers Because the airway is obstructed more energy is required to ventilate the lungs The patient will experience shortness of breath and as the disease progresses will become progressively limited in the ability to exercise
