There is a clear correlation between life expectancy in emphysema and the severity of the disease. If the disease is mild, it is expected to have no impact on life expectancy, but if the patient’s disease is severe, it may even be life-threatening. Emphysema can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic factors, dysregulation of the protease-antiprotease balance, and environmental factors, and may be characterized by progressively worsening dyspnea, and coughing and sputum when accompanied by infection. If emphysema patients do not experience respiratory failure and receive standardized treatment under the guidance of a physician to slow down the progression of the disease, life expectancy may not be affected; if the patient’s condition is severe and is complicated by other complications, life expectancy may be affected, and in severe cases, life may be endangered. It is recommended that patients with emphysema actively go to the hospital to get a clear diagnosis, and take medication under the doctor’s supervision to avoid delaying their condition.