History of Emphysema in Timeline

Updated: August 6, 2024

Emphysema is characterized by air-filled enlargements in body tissues. While it can occur in various tissues, the term "emphysema" most commonly refers to a lung condition called pulmonary emphysema. This specific type of emphysema involves the irreversible expansion of the alveoli, which are tiny air sacs in the lungs responsible for gas exchange.

1959: Formal Definitions of Emphysema and Chronic Bronchitis

The CIBA guest symposium in 1959 marked the formal definition of the terms "emphysema" and "chronic bronchitis," providing a clearer understanding and distinction between these respiratory conditions.

1962: American Thoracic Society Committee Meeting on Diagnostic Standards

The American Thoracic Society further solidified the definitions of emphysema and chronic bronchitis during their Committee meeting on Diagnostic Standards in 1962, contributing to the standardization of these terms in the medical community.

2016: Emphysema Mortality in the United States

In 2016, the United States recorded 6,977 deaths attributed to emphysema, translating to a rate of 2.2 deaths for every 100,000 individuals.

2018: Study on Combined Effects of Tobacco and Cannabis Smoking

A 2018 research review investigated the potential synergistic effects of tobacco and cannabis smoking. The study revealed a possible cumulative toxic effect that could contribute to the development of emphysema and spontaneous pneumothorax.