5 Common Symptoms of Emphysema You Should Know

Symptoms of Emphysema: What You Need to Know

Emphysema is a chronic lung disease marked by the hyperinflation of air sacs in the lungs. This condition can develop slowly over many years, mainly affecting people who smoke. If left untreated, emphysema can cause irreversible lung damage, and over time, it can result in respiratory failure. In this article, we’ll go over some of the common symptoms of emphysema that you should be aware of.

1. Shortness of Breath

One of the most common symptoms associated with emphysema is shortness of breath. At first, you may notice that you’re feeling out of breath when you’re doing physical activities like walking or climbing the stairs. As this condition progresses, you may start experiencing shortness of breath even while resting. These symptoms occur because the air sacs in your lungs have been damaged and are unable to expand and contract like they should.

2. Chronic Cough

Another common symptom associated with emphysema is a chronic cough. This cough may produce mucus or phlegm, and it can be persistent and difficult to manage. The cough is a result of the body’s attempt to clear the airways from irritants such as smoke or pollution. The chronic inflammation and irritation caused by emphysema can trigger the cough reflex, leading to the development of a chronic cough.

3. Chest Tightness

As emphysema develops, you may start to experience chest tightness and discomfort. This symptom is caused by the overinflation of the air sacs in your lungs, resulting in pressure on the surrounding lung tissue and chest wall. The feeling of tightness in the chest can be uncomfortable and can make it difficult to breathe.

4. Wheezing

Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound that occurs when you breathe, often caused by the narrowing of your airways. Emphysema can cause air sacs in your lungs to break down, leading to the loss of lung elasticity and the development of airway obstruction. The constricted airways result in wheezing sounds when you breathe.

5. Fatigue

Lastly, emphysema can cause fatigue and a lack of energy. This is partly due to the decreased oxygen delivery to the body’s tissues. The oxygenated blood supply is reduced due to the reduced lung capacity seen in emphysema patients. The shortness of breath and chest tightness can also make go about the daily activities much harder, leading to increased fatigue.

Conclusion

Emphysema is a chronic lung disease that can lead to severe health consequences if left untreated. This article discussed some of the common symptoms associated with emphysema, including shortness of breath, chronic coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, and fatigue. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to speak to your healthcare provider. With early detection and appropriate management, emphysema can be treated, and its progression can be slowed.