Emphysema is a chronic lung condition primarily characterized by damage to the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath. The predominant cause is long-term exposure to airborne irritants, with active tobacco smoking being the most significant risk factor. Other major contributing factors include exposure to secondhand smoke, inhalation of chemical fumes, and prolonged exposure to various types of dust. The risk of developing emphysema also increases with age, particularly in individuals aged 55 and older. In rarer instances, emphysema can result from a hereditary deficiency of alpha-1-antitrypsin, a protein crucial for protecting the lungs' elastic structures. This genetic form is specifically termed alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency emphysema.