Pulmonary emphysema

Pulmonary emphysema is a progressive form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by lung air space enlargement. COPD, defined by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), results from exposure to harmful particles or gases. It ranks as a top cause of death globally. Emphysema primarily affects distal air spaces, with its main cause being smoking. Other risk factors include environmental pollutants, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, passive smoking, infections, allergies, and low birth weight.