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Emphysema

• More information on emphysema

Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). If you have it, your body does not get the oxygen it needs to function. Cigarette smoking is the most common cause. Quitting smoking can keep it from getting worse.

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More information on emphysema

Read more from womenshealth.gov

• Lung Disease Fact Sheet — This fact sheet introduces the different lung diseases that affect women, what causes lung diseases, and how to reduce your risk.
  http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/lung-disease.cfm

Explore other publications and websites

• Chest X-ray (Chest Radiography) (Copyright © Radiological Society of North America) — This fact sheet describes what a chest radiography is, preparation for the procedue, equipment, the procedure, and benefits and risks.
  http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=chestrad&bhcp=1
• Emphysema (Copyright © Mayo Foundation) — This publication provides information on the signs, symptoms, causes, and risk factors for emphysema. In addition, it explains when to visit your doctor, what treatment options are available, and how to prevent this disease.
  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/emphysema/DS00296
• FastStats: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) — this web page provides quick access to health statistics on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.
  http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/copd.htm
• What Is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)? — This publication provides in-depth information on how the lungs work, and how chronic bronchitis, emphysema, pneumonia, and COPD can affect lung health. It also provides information on treatment and research information.
  http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Copd/Copd_WhatIs.html

Connect with other organizations

• American Association for Respiratory Care
  http://www.aarc.org/
• American Lung Association
  http://www.lungusa.org/
• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
  http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/index.htm
• National Institute on Aging, NIH, HHS
  http://www.nia.nih.gov/

Content last updated August 12, 2010.

Resources last updated August 12, 2010.

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