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CSD 2260 Reavis Emphysema When people hear the medical diagnosis of Emphysema, many think immediately that one had been a regular smoker of tobacco for a long period of time. There are many different causes for the illness that can be from other factors besides smoking such as inhaling pollutants that surround one’s life from vehicles and factories. Emphysema is not a medical disease that is sudden it is one that worsens over time due to the impact on the lungs. With education on this disease more individuals will use preventative measures to decrease ones risk of the disease. The definition of emphysema according to the Webster’s Dictionary is â€Å"a condition characterized by air-filled expansions of body tissues; specifically: a condition of the lung marked by abnormal enlargement of the alveoli with loss of pulmonary elasticity that is characterized especially by shortness of breath and may lead to impairment of heart action† (Emphysema.). Meaning that within the lungs there are small sacs that are called alveoli, where the exchange of gas and blood occurs is interfered by the sacs over filling causing an obstruction of the sacs leading to breakage. The damage of the sacs can cause complication breathing due to the scaring and of the sacs developing holes decreasing the input of the oxygen in the blood stream. One of the many disease that is associated with emphysema includes COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). This disease is a building block to emphysema, it has similar symptoms consisting of wheezing, and shortness of breath, cough, and chest tightening. The least common symptoms of emphysema are â€Å"loss of appetite and weight loss, depression, poor sleep quality, and decreased sexual function† (emphysema ... ...cks and symptoms of emphysema is to become educated on how to care for one’s self through medical advice and care. http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=annual+diagnosis+of+emphysema+&FORM=HDRSC2#view=detail&id=4EF6D52C1B62768BEFEC4D4AC855926060639748&selectedIndex=0 http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Emphysema+Lungs&FORM=RESTAB#view=detail&id=7EADDF80F7268CF1D6FFB1D6A08E1AD2B22CA203&selectedIndex=81 Works Cited Emphysema. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emphysema Emphysema symptoms. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/lung/copd/emphysema symptoms Nordqvist, C. (2004, June 01). What is emphysema? What causes emphysema?. Retrieved from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/8934.php Slowik, G. (2012, November 30). Medications to treat emphysema. Retrieved from http://ehealthmd.com/content/medications-treat-emphysema