Emphysema is a serious lung condition. It results in labored breathing and an increased susceptibility to infections. It occurs because the alveoli, the small sacks in the lungs that allow for gases to exchange, have become enlarged, or the thin sensitive walls of the alveoli have become damaged. The end result is difficulty in gas exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

This condition is often caused by substances, such as smoke, one may have been chronically exposed to. Emphysema has no cure because the human body can't replace damaged lung tissue. At best, treatments can only reduce or prevent more damage to the lungs.