what causes emphysema

Emphysema is a lung condition that causes shortness of breath. The main cause of emphysema is long-term exposure to airborne irritants, including tobacco smoke, marijuana smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes, and dust. Smoking is the primary risk factor for emphysema, with up to 75% of people who have emphysema being smokers or former smokers. Additionally, long-term exposure to other lung irritants such as secondhand smoke, air pollution, and chemical fumes and dusts from the environment or workplace can also contribute to the development of emphysema. Rarely, emphysema can be caused by an inherited deficiency of a protein called alpha-1 antitrypsin, which protects the elastic structures in the lungs. This condition is known as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency emphysema. Its important to note that emphysema is one of the most preventable respiratory illnesses, as it is strongly linked to smoking. Therefore, the best way to prevent emphysema is to avoid smoking and to minimize exposure to lung irritants such as secondhand smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes, and dusts.