Inhalation of toxic vapors such as those ...

What is emphysema? With normal breathing, air passes through the nose, down the trachea, as well as all smaller airways called bronchi. Bronchi divide into bronchioles and finally into tiny grape clusters as thin, fragile bags called alveoli. In the alveoli, oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide in the blood. Inhalation of toxic vapors such as those in cigarette smoke can buy lasix lead to the development of emphysema, an irreversible disease that threatens the ability of lung function. In the early stages of emphysema, the alveoli are destroyed, resulting in "holes" in the tissue of the lower lungs. These openings lead to the collapse of the bronchioles, preventing penetration of air remaining alveoli. Exchange of carbon dioxide into oxygen thus decreases, causing shortness of breath that progressively worsens, leading to damage to the lungs and heart. Copyrighted animations provided Blausen Medical. .