The Signs of Emphysema
The Signs of Emphysema
Signs of emphysema are not easily recognizable at first due to their subtle nature. Emphysema is part of a larger group of lung diseases known as chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). These diseases are responsible for damaging the alveoli of the lungs that cause its enlargement and eventual burst. Since the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs in the alveoli, people suffering from emphysema have difficulties in expelling their “air” and this leads to carbon dioxide build up in the body.
At present, there are no known treatments for emphysema. Thus, knowing the signs of emphysema for early detection, prevention and treatment is needed. The following symptoms are as follows:
Shortness of Breath
A major sign of emphysema is dyspnea or shortness of breath.
Rapid Breathing
The medical term, tachypnea, is synonymous to rapid breathing and it is also one of the common signs of emphysema.
Wheezing
It is common for patients suffering from emphysema to experience wheezing. However it is important to take not of when the wheezing occurs. Wheezing at the beginning of expiration can be attributed to emphysema while wheezing at the end of expiration is usually an indication of bronchitis.
Chronic Cough With Mucus or Without Mucus
A long term or chronic cough, which is either with mucus (productive cough) or without mucus (non-productive cough), is one of the common signs of emphysema brought about by a history of smoking cigarettes.
Weight Loss Due to Loss of Appetite
Along with most other diseases that are part of the COPD, anorexia, the medical term for loss of appetite, eventually occurs.
Reduced Exercise Tolerance
As emphysema progresses, patients usually experience a reduction in the capacity to engage in physical activities.
Barrel Chest
During the later stages of emphysema, the chest assumes a barrel-like appearance, which is often described as round and bulging.
Usually, the signs of emphysema are similar to that of asthma. You can tell the difference by taking asthma medications as prescribed by the doctor and then, observing its effect. Once it takes effect, you can conclude whether you are suffering from asthma or emphysema. This is because people with emphysema will not respond to the asthma medication.
In time, emphysema also affects the brain, since less oxygen reaches the brain via the bloodstream. This causes irritability, grumpiness and impaired mental ability. On the other hand, increase in carbon dioxide levels in the blood leads to sleeplessness and headaches. Such mental states and conditions are also signs of emphysema.