When the alveoli become permanently damaged, what condition results?

Emphysema is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by the permanent damage and destruction of the alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lungs responsible for gas exchange. In emphysema, the walls between the alveoli are destroyed, leading to reduced surface area for oxygen absorption, which ultimately impairs airflow and oxygen delivery to the bloodstream. As a result, individuals with emphysema often experience shortness of breath, a chronic cough, and decreased exercise tolerance.

This condition is primarily caused by long-term exposure to irritants, such as cigarette smoke and environmental pollutants, which contribute to the gradual breakdown of lung tissue. Understanding that emphysema leads to irreversible damage is vital, as it differentiates it from other respiratory conditions, such as asthma or pneumonia, that may involve reversible inflammation or infection rather than permanent structural changes in the lungs.