Emphysema gradually damages the air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs, making you progressively more short of breath. Emphysema is one of several diseases known collectively as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Your lungs' alveoli are clustered like bunches of grapes. In emphysema, the inner walls of the air sacs weaken and eventually rupture — creating one larger air space instead of many small ones. This reduces the surface area of the lungs and, in turn, the amount of oxygen that reaches your bloodstream. When you exhale, the damaged alveoli don't work properly and old air becomes trapped, leaving no room for fresh, oxygen-rich air to enter. Treatment may slow the progression of emphysema, but it can't reverse the damage.

Causes:

• Smoking

• Air pollution

• Exposure to chemical fumes, dust, and other lung irritants like cotton, wood or mining products

Symptoms:

• Shortness of breath

• Cough

• Weight loss

• Fatigue

Role of Homeopathy:

Homeopathy cannot reverse the damage already occurred in emphysema but it can help to slow down the further progression of the condition. Symptoms of shortness of breath and cough are managed with natural medicines in an excellent manner.