Death of David Lynch: what is emphysema, the disease from which the director suffered?

“It is with deep regret that our family announces the passing 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 this Thursday, January 16, 2025.

He had smoked since he was 8 years old

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 which is characterized by the progressive destruction of the pulmonary alveoli, small spaces located at the end of the bronchioles allowing the absorption of oxygen.”

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

“Stop these things that will eventually kill you”

The director was indeed suffering from significant breathing difficulties. “I can barely walk across a room. It’s like walking around with a plastic bag around your head.”he confided in November 2024 to New York Post. 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 them – to tell them that.”

Since the diagnosis, the director of Blue Velvet et Mulholland Drive remained confined to his home to avoid becoming seriously ill by catching even a simple cold.