Living With Emphysema

According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, emphysema affects over 2 million Americans, the majority of whom are 50 years old and over.

Former Guide to About.com Smoking Cessation, Christine Rowley suffered from emphysema and wrote this poignant account of what it is like to live with this disease:

Why You Don't Want Emphysema

Emphysema is a slow killer, progressing gradually over a period of many years. The damage done to the lungs with emphysema is irreversible, but if a person stops smoking early on in the disease, it may be possible to arrest further development and improve one's quality of life.

More:

• Emphysema Causes and Symptoms

• Emphysema Facts and Statistics

• Emphysema Photo Gallery

_{Illustration courtesy of A.D.A.M.}