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alveoli

Any of the many tiny air sacs of the lungs which allow for rapid gaseous exchange.

emphysema

Obstructive airway disease in which the walls of the alveoli (air sacs) are damaged or destroyed.

neutrophil elastase

A powerful enzyme released from white blood cells to fight infection, but it can attack normal tissues (especially the lungs) if not tightly controlled by alpha-1 antitrypsin. Source: Genetics Home Reference.

PFT

Pulmonary Function Test – A test that is designed to measure how well the lungs are working. You go into a glass box and blow into a tube hooked up to a computer.

Pulmonary

Medical term referring to the lungs.

pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the blood vessels that carry blood to your lungs.