Lung disease is some of the most common medical conditions worldwide. Tens of millions of people suffer from lung disease in the U.S. Smoking, infections, and genetics are responsible for most lung disease. The lungs are part of a complex apparatus, expanding and relaxing thousands of times daily to bring in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide. Lung disease can result from problems in any part of this system. Emphysema is a destructive lung disease in which the alveoli (small sacs) that promote oxygen exchange between the air and the bloodstream are destroyed. Smoking is the primary cause of emphysema, which makes it a preventable illness.

The lungs are a pair of organs in the chest that are primarily responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air we breathe and the blood. The lung is composed of clusters of small air sacs (alveoli) divided by thin, elastic walls or membranes. Capillaries, the tiniest of blood vessels, run within these walls between the alveoli and allow blood and air to come near each other.

Shortness of breath is the primary symptom of emphysema. It is a progressive complaint, worsening over time. Early in this lung disease, shortness of breath may occur with exercise and activity but symptoms gradually worsen and may occur at rest. Diagnosis of emphysema is based upon history, physical examination, and pulmonary function studies.

Once present, emphysema is not curable, but these lung disease symptoms are controllable. Emphysema does not affect quantity of life, but rather quality of life. There are no studies that can predict life-expectancy in individuals with emphysema. The only known “cure” for emphysema is lung transplant, but few patients are strong enough physically to survive the surgery of this lung disease.

The combination of a patient’s age, oxygen deprivation and the side-effects of the medications used to treat this lung disease cause damage to the kidneys, heart and other organs. Surgical transplantation also requires the patient to take an anti-rejection drug regimen which suppresses the immune system, and can lead to microbial infection of the patient.

Cancer stick smoking Whitney Houston is rumored to be battling emphysema this deadly lung disease. Whitney’s extremely puffy stomach and face gave it away. You can only ingest so many Newports and crack before it takes a toll. Sure hope Whitney gets it together, before tragedy strikes.

A badly shaken Whitney Houston is fighting for her life against deadly. Doctors have told the 47-year-old singer she’s suffering from the early stages of the frightening lung disease. The National Enquirer reported that doctors told Houston also if she does not completely stop smoking, the lung disease will take her life.

Rumors may have started because Houston has had health problems in the past. Earlier this year, Houston’s representative had confirmed that Whitney again returned to a rehab center as part of her battles with addiction.

In 2010 she sat out the European shows on doctors’ orders after developing the upper respiratory infection. The Enquirer reported that the responsibility of helping Houston beat her smoking habit had fallen to her daughter, Bobbi Kristina, who has recently spent time in rehab herself.