[header] How to prevent emphysema [title] Stop smoking. [step] Tobacco smoke is a recognized cause of emphysema and other forms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (copd), such as chronic bronchitis and asthma. The best way to avoid emphysema is to never start smoking. 
If you're currently a smoker, quitting can help improve your health, even after years of smoking. [substeps] Smoking is the cause of emphysema in 80% to 90% of all reported cases.