emphysema

em·phy·se·ma   (ěm'fĭ-sē'mə, -zē'-)    n.   A pathological condition of the lungs marked by an abnormal increase in the size of the air spaces, resulting in labored breathing and an increased susceptibility to infection. It can be caused by irreversible expansion of the alveoli or by the destruction of alveolar walls. An abnormal distention of body tissues caused by retention of air. [Greek emphūsēma, inflation, from emphūsān, to blow in : en-, in; see en-2 + phūsān, to blow (from phūsa, bellows, bladder).] em'phy·sem'a·tous (-sěm'ə-təs, -sē'mə-, -zěm'ə-, -zē'mə-) adj., em'phy·se'mic adj. & n.

emphysema [(em-fuh-see-muh, em-fuh-zee-muh)]

A chronic disease in which the tiny air sacs in the lungs become stretched and enlarged, so that they are less able to supply oxygen to the blood. Emphysema causes shortness of breath and painful coughing and can increase the likelihood of developing heart disease. Emphysema occurs most frequently in older men who have been heavy smokers.

emphysema 

Main Entry: em·phy·se·ma
Pronunciation: "em(p)-f&-'zE-m&, -'sE-
Function: noun
: a condition characterized by air-filledexpansions like blisters in interstitial or subcutaneous tissues; specifically : a local or generalized condition of the lung marked by distension, progressive loss of elasticity, andeventual rupture of the alveoli and accompanied by labored breathing, a husky cough, and frequently by impairment of heart action —em·phy·se·ma·tous /-'zem-&t-&s, -'sem-, -'zEm-, -'sEm-/ adjective —em·phy·se·mic /-'zE-mik, -'sE-/ adjective

emphysema em·phy·se·ma (ěm'fĭ-sē'mə, -zē'-)
n.

1. A pathological condition of the lungs marked by an abnormal increase in the size of the air spaces, resulting in labored breathing and an increased susceptibility to infection. It can be caused by irreversible expansion of the alveoli or by the destruction of alveolar walls. Also called pulmonary emphysema.

2. An abnormal distention of body tissues caused by retention of air.

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em'phy·sem'a·tous (-sěm'ə-təs, -sē'mə-, -zěm'ə-, -zē'mə-) adj.
em'phy·se'mic adj. & n.