Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It develops from the early stage when the disease fails to be effectively controlled and gradually progresses to the middle and late stages.

Since emphysema is a structural lung disease, it cannot be completely cured. Patients can only be treated by regularly taking oral medications, such as inhaling bronchodilators and low - dose corticosteroids, to effectively control the condition to a certain extent and slow down the progression of the disease. They cannot completely stop taking the medications.

Once patients develop a respiratory tract infection, their condition will significantly worsen. Therefore, they should take precautions to avoid upper respiratory tract infections.