Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are both forms of COPD but affect different parts of the lungs. Emphysema damages the air sacs (alveoli), causing shortness of breath, while bronchitis inflames and narrows the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Temple Health Disease Lungs Chronic Bronchitis The Common Vein Smoking poses severe dangers to lung health, including: 1. Lung Cancer Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, increasing the risk of developing this deadly disease. 2. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ( Elevated risk of developing COPD with e cigarette use: Study