Emphysema

Emphysema is a debilitating disease caused primarily by smoking. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 3.8 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with emphysema. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute reports that the prevalence of emphysema increased at a compound annual growth rate of 5% from 1999 to 2004, with 461,000 incremental diagnoses of emphysema between 2003 and 2004, the most recent years for which this data is available.

Emphysema is characterized by a progressive deterioration in lung tissue leading to the constant feeling of breathlessness and inability to engage in a broad range of normal daily activities. Unable to breathe properly, emphysema patients gradually reduce their physical activity in an attempt to regulate the symptoms of the disease. This leads to a progressive decline of their cardiovascular system and muscle mass. As the disease advances, the patients may become unable to perform simple daily functions. Basic tasks such as climbing a flight of stairs, shopping for groceries or even eating, can be challenging for someone with emphysema.