What is the primary cause of emphysema?

The primary cause of emphysema is the destruction of the alveoli, which are the tiny air sacs in the lungs responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. In emphysema, the walls between the alveoli are damaged, resulting in larger but fewer alveoli. This process decreases the surface area available for gas exchange, leading to breathing difficulties and reduced oxygen supply to the body.

It is important to note that while factors like viral infections, air pollution, and allergic reactions can impact lung health and contribute to respiratory diseases, they are not the primary drivers of emphysema itself. Instead, the condition is primarily associated with long-term exposure to irritants, particularly tobacco smoke, which is the leading cause of the alveolar destruction that characterizes emphysema. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for recognizing how emphysema develops and progresses, as well as for devising effective prevention and treatment strategies.