LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Emphysema: Alveoli
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Emphysema is caused by loss of elasticity (increased compliance) of the lung tissue, from destruction of structures supporting the alveoli, and destruction of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Thus the small airways collapse during exhalation, although alveolar collapsibility has increased. This impedes airflow and traps air in the lungs, as with other obstructive lung diseases. Symptoms include shortness of breath on exertion and later at rest, hyperventilation, and an expanded chest.
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Emphysema is a condition where there is an over-inflation of structures in the lungs known as alveoli or air sacs. This over-inflation results from a breakdown of the walls of the alveoli, and thiscauses a decrease in respiratory function (the way the lungs work) and often, breathlessness. Early symptoms of emphysema include shortness of breath and a cough.
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Emphysema is a chronic disease of the air spaces in which the walls may breakdown and the air sacs (alveoli) lose their elastic property. The airways (bronchi) act as pathways for air to enter the alveoli from which oxygen enters the blood. There are about 30 million of these air sacs in a normal lung.
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Emphysema is characterised by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue; destruction of structures supporting the alveoli; and destruction of capillaries feeding the alveoli. The result is that the small airways collapse during expiration, leading to an obstructive form of lung disease (air is trapped in the lungs in obstructive lung diseases). Features are: shortness of breathon exertion--particularly when climbing stairs or inclines (and later at rest), hyperventilationand an expanded chest. As emphysema progresses, clubbingof the fingers may be observed, a feature of longstanding hypoxia.
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Emphysema is caused by loss of elasticity (increased compliance) of the lung tissue, from destruction of structures supporting the alveoli, and destruction of capillaries feeding the alveoli. The result is that the small airways collapse during exhalation (although alveolar collapsability has increased), leading to an obstructive form of lung disease (airflow is impeded and air is generally "trapped" in the lungs in obstructive lung diseases). Symptoms include shortness of breath on exertion (typically when climbing stairs or inclines, and later at rest), hyperventilation, and an expanded chest.
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Emphysema is mainly caused by smoking cigarettes. The tar from the smoke causes the cilia (the little brooms in the lungs that keep germs and dirty mucus out) to stop working. This causes infections and blocks tubes that carry air to the alveoli.
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Alveoli