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Article: 'Emphysema'.(Opinion & Editorial)
- Article from:
- Manila Bulletin
- Article date:
- November 5, 2002
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2002 Manila Bulletin Publishing Corp. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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EMPHYSEMA is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) caused by loss of elasticity and dilatation of the lung tissue. In emphysema, the lungs become less and less efficient because of progressive damage to the millions of alveoli, or air sacs, at the ends of the bronchioles in the lungs. Oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange takes place in the walls of the alveoli. Healthy lungs have an elastic, spongy texture, so they contract and expand fully. If the alveoli become stretched or ruptured, the elasticity of the lungs is gradually destroyed. A person with emphysema cannot exhale without great effort.
Most people who are diagnosed with emphysema are ...