Emphysema affects the tiny sacs in the lungs called alveoli. These sacs allow the transfer of oxygen from the air to the blood and also allow CO 2 to be removed from the body. The alveoli expand and contract as air moves in and out of them. In emphysema, the lungs lose elasticity, similar to an overused rubber band. This causes the alveoli to become enlarged, thus making breathing difficult.
Advanced emphysema is characterized by large empty spaces inside the lung.
It is estimated that 30 million Americans suffer from COPD, but only 16 million are diagnosed. About 2 million Americans are diagnosed with emphysema. Both chronic bronchitis and emphysema are strongly linked to smoking. When people with COPD smoke, they further damage their lungs, which makes it even harder to get oxygen. There is currently no cure for COPD .