Emphysema
A conceptual illustration of an air-filled inner landscape with galactic depth conveying the breathlessness wrought by emphysemic changes to the alveoli air sacs of the lungs. The inner walls of the alveoli are damaged, causing them to break down and merge to form larger, fewer air sacs. This creates one larger air space instead of many small ones. The remaining alveoli become abnormally large and inflated, also reducing the surface area available for gas exchange. These cumulative structural tissue changes cause the lungs to become less elastic, making it difficult to exhale air effectively.
Emphysema Editorial Cover Illustration by Cynthia Turner has been recognized as an exceptional example of communication design by the A' Design Award. Emphysema Editorial Cover Illustration won the Iron A' Design Award in Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design in 2025. The A' Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design Award is an international, jury-voted, fair and ethical design award which celebrates superior design of logos, posters, infographics, brochures, packaging designs, business cards, book covers, billboards and more.
