Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that affects the airways causing shortness of breath.
Risk factors. The primary cause is tobacco consumption. Smoke inhalation causes the destruction of the walls of the alveoli. That is why the effects are only partially reversible. Therefore, lost lung function cannot be recovered.
Prevention. Nicotine is very addictive, so the best prevention is never to start smoking. If you are a smoker, quitting sooner rather than later is best.
Treatment. Quit smoking and continue medical treatment.