©2018 WebMD, Inc. All rights reserved. eMedicineHealth does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See Additional Information.

home lung disease & respiratory health center

Emphysema Topic Guide

Emphysema Emphysema: Emphysema a long-term, progressive disease of the lungs. The most common symptom of emphysema is shortness of breath. Causes and risk factors for emphysema include cigarette smoking, Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, air pollution, abnormal airway reactivity, gender, and age. Treatment includes medication, lifestyle changes (quitting smoking), surgery, and lung transplantation.
Read the Emphysema Main Article >>

Must Read Articles:

Featured:

Smoking FAQs
Smoking FAQs Are you considering quitting smoking? Get answers to your frequently asked questions (FAQs) on smoking and finally quitting.

Expert Views and News

Emphysema Topic Guide - Visuals

Slideshows, Pictures, Images, and Quizzes:

Emphysema Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins

Medications:

tiotropium inhalation Tiotropium Inhalation

Tiotropium is a bronchodilator that relaxes muscles in the airways and increases air flow to the lungs...learn more »

levalbuterol Levalbuterol

Levalbuterol is a short-acting bronchodilator that relaxes muscles in the airways and increases air flow to the lungs...learn more »

albuterol and ipratropium (inhalation) Albuterol And Ipratropium (inhalation)

Albuterol and ipratropium are bronchodilators that relax muscles in the airways and increase air flow to the lungs...learn more »

salmeterol (inhalation) Salmeterol (inhalation)

Salmeterol is a bronchodilator. It works by relaxing muscles in the airways to improve breathing...learn more »

alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor Alpha 1-proteinase Inhibitor

Alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor is a protein, also called alpha 1-antitrypsin. This protein occurs naturally in the body and is important for preventing the bre...learn more »

acetylcysteine (inhalation) Acetylcysteine (inhalation)

Acetylcysteine is a drug that breaks down mucus, the substance that lubricates many parts of the body such as the mouth, throat, and lungs...learn more »

terbutaline (oral) Terbutaline (oral)

Terbutaline is a bronchodilator. It works by relaxing muscles in the airways to improve breathing...learn more »

albuterol Albuterol

Albuterol is a bronchodilator that relaxes muscles in the airways and increases air flow to the lungs...learn more »

albuterol inhalation Albuterol Inhalation

Albuterol is a bronchodilator that relaxes muscles in the airways and increases air flow to the lungs...learn more »

ipratropium inhalation Ipratropium Inhalation

Ipratropium is a bronchodilator that relaxes muscles in the airways and increases air flow to the lungs...learn more »

theophylline Theophylline

Theophylline is a bronchodilator. It works by relaxing muscles in the lungs and chest, making the lungs less sensitive to allergens and other causes of bronc...learn more »