What is another word for emphysema?
Pronunciation: [ɛmfˈa͡ɪsmə] (IPA) 
Emphysema is a chronic and progressive respiratory disease, commonly experienced by smokers. This disease causes irreversible damage to lungs and reduces their ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide that creates many health problems. Other terms used interchangeably with emphysema are chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, and lung or airway disease. COPD is a group of lung diseases that includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and other lung conditions which restrict the flow of air. Chronic bronchitis irritates the bronchi or airways, thus decreasing the airflow, while lung or airway disease is a broad term that defines the problem in the lungs or airways. Knowing these synonyms can help people to better understand emphysema and its association with other respiratory diseases.
