Emphysema is a chronic disease. Emphysema mainly refers to the destruction of the elastic tissue of the lungs and the destruction of the alveolar wall, so that the distal part of the terminal bronchus, including the respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, alveolar sacs and alveoli are all swollen and dilated, which often manifests as progressive respiratory distress, and is prone to be complicated by acute lung infections, pulmonary heart disease, spontaneous pneumothorax, and so on. Currently, there is no cure for emphysema, and the condition is mainly alleviated or slowed down by oxygen therapy, rehabilitation training, medication and surgery. The abnormal expansion of alveoli caused by emphysema is an irreversible pathologic change, and with the aggravation of the condition, it can further develop into diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Emphysema has a long course and is not contagious. If symptoms of emphysema appear, you should go to the hospital as soon as possible to get a clear diagnosis and timely treatment in order to relieve the discomfort and improve the quality of life.