What happens to the lungs with obstructive lung disease?

In some forms of obstructive lung disease such as cystic fibrosis or chronic bronchitis, the airways to the lungs become blocked, making it difficult to breathe. This happens because of inflammation and a buildup of mucus in the airways. The body then becomes deprived of oxygen, which causes damage to the lungs and blood cells. In asthma, the lining of the air passages becomes swollen and the muscles surrounding the airways become tight, preventing proper inhalation. In emphysema, the walls of the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs are destroyed.