Symptoms of Emphysema

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Emphysema is characterized by decreased lung elasticity secondary to destruction of the alveoli. This leads to decreased surface for oxygen to pass from the inspired air into the bloodstream.

Emphysema symptoms are characterized by difficulty breathing. People develop shortness of breath with exercise.


When emphysema is in the advanced stages, people will develop shortness of breath at rest. Sometimes people will require oxygen to maintain adequate blood oxygenation.


Other emphysema symptoms include recurrent bronchitis and pneumonia. People often experience chronic cough, sometimes productive of sputum.

Sometimes people will experience “pursed lipped” breathing and a barrel shaped chest.

Emphysema is often referred to as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

 
To view information about symptoms of emphysema go to our Emphysema questions and answers page.
To view specific information about topics related to emphysema symptoms go to our Topics page.
To view laboratory abnormalities go to our Labs page.
To view the side effects of medication associated with the treatment of emphysema go to our Pharmacology page.
To search Flash-Med's questions and answers for your key words go to our Q&A Search Page.
To view the and differential diagnosis of emphysema symptoms go to our Medicine Methods page.

Symptoms of emphysema often do not lead directly to the underlying diagnosis and many symptoms can be misleading. Please review all concerns and information found on this website with your health care provider.