Symptoms

During the early stages of emphysema, most people will have few symptoms. The disease usually progresses slowly, and changes in breathing may be hardly noticed. A typical person will not experience symptoms until they have smoked a pack of cigarettes per day for more than 20 years.

       Over time, almost all people with emphysema will develop shortness of breath. At first, this may be noticed only during strenuous activities, such as climbing several flights of stairs or playing sports. As time goes on, the shortness of breath may occur with daily activities, such as housework or walking short distances. Eventually, the person may be short of breath for much of the day, even while at rest or sleeping. At its worst, emphysema can cause "air hunger", the constant feeling of being unable to catch one's breath.

 

       These respiratory symptoms are the same regardless of the cause of the emphysema. However, two people with the same degree of lung damage may have different symptoms. One person with mild emphysema may feel very short of breath, while another person with more advanced stages of the disease may be hardly bothered by symptoms. These differences might result from other medical conditions and how well a person is able to treat and condition their lungs. 

Other symptoms caused by emphysema include:

• Wheezing, coughing or bringing up phlegm (if chronic bronchitis also is present)
• Tightness feeling in the chest
• Constant fatigue
• Difficulty sleeping
• Morning headaches
• Swelling of the ankles
• Lethargy or difficulty concentrating
• Diagnosis

 

The Onset of Emphysema Symptoms

  The first sign of emphysema is typically shortness of breath. It usually begins during periods of overexertion, but eventually occurs even when resting. Cough with phlegm is usually the second noticeable emphysema symptom.

Characteristic Signs of Emphysema

Persons with emphysema develop a characteristic sign of respiratory distress, called pursed-lip breathing. Since persons with emphysema struggle to exhale completely, they tend to purse their lips to block the flow of air. This restrictive type breathing increases the pressure in the airways where the collapsing has occurred and temporarily opens them allowing the person to fully exhale.

 

  

***********It's Necessary To Know !**********

Emphysema may affect the brain, too. Low oxygen levels in the blood may mean that the brain is not getting enough oxygen. The end result can be grumpiness, irritability, impaired mental ability. High carbon dioxide levels in the blood can lead to headaches and sleeplessness.

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*If you are experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms of emphysema, You should see your doctor immediately *

  

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