What is "pulmonary emphysema"

Emphysema \Em`phy*se"ma\, n. [NL., from Gr. ? inflation, fr. ? to inflate; ? in + ? to blow: cf. F. emphys[`e]me.] (Med.) A swelling produced by gas or air diffused in the cellular tissue.

Emphysema of the lungs, Pulmonary emphysema (Med.), a common disease of the lungs in which the air cells are distended and their partition walls ruptured by an abnormal pressure of the air contained in them.

n. A chronic lung disease characterised by an abnormal increase in the size of the air spaces, resulting in laboured breathing and caused by exposure to toxic chemicals, most commonly tobacco smoke.

n. an abnormal condition of the lungs marked by decreased respiratory function; associated with smoking or chronic bronchitis or old age [syn: emphysema]