Emphysema
What is emphysema?
Why do people get emphysema?
What are the symptoms of emphysema?
How serious is emphysema?
What is emphysema?
Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) involving damage to the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. As a result, the body does not get the oxygen it needs. Emphysema makes it hard to catch a breath. Patients may also have a chronic cough and have trouble breathing during exercise.
Why do people get emphysema?
Cigarette smoking is the most common cause of emphysema. Tobacco smoke and other pollutants are thought to cause the release of chemicals from within the lungs that damage the walls of the air sacs. This damage becomes worse over time.
What are the symptoms of emphysema?
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing when breathing
- A chronic cough that may or may not produce sputum (mucus)
- Decreased ability to exercise
- Weight loss
- Swelling of ankles, feet and legs
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
How serious is emphysema?
Emphysema is a chronic, life threatening disease. A patient's prognosis is largely determined by initial shortness of breath, exercise tolerance, and results from lung function tests. Complications can include pulmonary hypertension, pneumonia, recurrent respiratory infections and eventually death.
Learn more about emphysema treatment options.
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