David Lynch Death: What Is Emphysema, The Disease The Director Suffered From ?

Director David Lynch died at the age of 78 on Thursday, January 16, 2025. A few months ago, he revealed that he suffered from emphysema, a disease that causes the destruction of the lung alveoli.

“It is with deep regret that we and his family announce the death of the man and artist David Lynch. We would like some privacy at this time.” The family of David Lynch announced the death of the director on Thursday, January 16, 2025.

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He had been smoking since he was 8

The septuagenarian had four children. The creator of Twin Peaks was diagnosed with emphysema, a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, in 2020. David Lynch started smoking at the age of 8.

A progressive disease

Emphysema is the long-term complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), explains the Toulouse University Hospital on its website. “It is a progressive disease characterized by the progressive destruction of the pulmonary alveoli, small spaces located at the end of the bronchioles that allow the absorption of oxygen”.

In emphysema, “the destroyed lung distends, increases in volume, which compresses the rib cage and the respiratory muscles, preventing the total expiration of air. Eventually, without treatment, respiratory failure sets in and becomes extremely disabling”.

“Stop these things that will eventually kill you”

The director was indeed suffering from severe breathing difficulties. “I can barely walk across a room. It's like walking around with a plastic bag around your head,” he told the New York Post in November 2024. He then sent a message to other smokers: “Stop these things that will eventually kill you. I owe it to them – and I owe it to myself – to tell them that.”

Since his diagnosis, the director of Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive has been confined to his home to avoid becoming seriously ill from even a simple cold.