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Emphysema

In emphysema, the tiny air sacs (alveoli) at the end of the airways in the lungs are damaged. When the air sacs are damaged or destroyed, their walls break down and the sacs become larger. These larger air sacs move less oxygen into the blood. This can leave you feeling short of breath. After air sacs are destroyed, they cannot be replaced.

Primary Medical Reviewer Renée M. Crichlow, MD
- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Ken Y. Yoneda, MD
- Pulmonology
Last Updated June 16, 2006

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: June 16, 2006
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