Respiratory illnesses have been on the rise in the UK this winter. Colds, flu and HMPV have been rampaging across the country, thriving in the cold weather.Emphysema is a chronic condition that affects millions of people globally.
This lung condition can make everyday activities extremely difficult, such as walking, talking, and even breathing.Understanding the condition is vital to protect your lung health, especially during the winter months.
If you or someone you know is living with the condition, or if you're curious to find out more, here's everything you need to know about emphysema.“Emphysema is part of a group of lung conditions which comes under the umbrella term chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and also includes chronic bronchitis,” explains Emma Rubach, head of health advice at Asthma + Lung UK. “Emphysema makes it hard to breathe air out of your lungs as it affects the tiny air sacs at the end of the airways where oxygen is taken up into the bloodstream.
The walls of these air sacs become weak, and the lungs become baggy and full of bigger holes. This traps air and makes it harder to breathe.”Although it's a common condition, many people haven't heard of it or are unaware of exactly what it is.