Which medical condition can result from long-term inhalation of irritants?

Emphysema is a chronic lung condition that primarily results from the long-term inhalation of irritants, particularly cigarette smoke and other pollutants. It involves the destruction of the alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lungs, leading to reduced elasticity and making it difficult for the lungs to expel air. This damage affects breathing and can result in symptoms such as shortness of breath and a chronic cough.

Long-term exposure to various irritants can also compromise the lung's ability to defend against infections and other illnesses, exacerbating respiratory issues. In contrast, while dyspnea (shortness of breath), empyema (a collection of pus in the pleural cavity), and embryo (the developmental stage of an organism) are all important medical terms, they do not specifically describe conditions primarily resulting from the inhalation of irritants over time in the same way emphysema does.