Try these strategies to better manage your COPD. If you have emphysema, it means the tiny air sacs in your lungs, called alveoli, have been damaged and no longer transfer oxygen from the air to the blood as well. Damaged sacs also cause the lungs to stretch out and lose their springiness. This can cause air to become trapped in the lungs, making you feel short of breath, explains the COPD Foundation.
In this condition, the airways bronchial tubes become irritated and swollen and there is a lot of mucus production , leading to coughing and shortness of breath.
The majority of patients fall somewhere in the middle of the COPD spectrum and display symptoms of both diseases, he explains. If you think you may have emphysema, see your doctor sooner, rather than later. Your age, cigarette smoking history, and the impact of your breathing issues on your everyday life can all help your physician decide if further testing is needed, he adds. Often, they do not have problems, but some may develop mild to moderate symptoms or other lung or liver disorders.
The type of emphysema caused by this condition generally develops earlier than the more common form of emphysema. Anyone who develops emphysema before age 40 should undergo genetic testing. Those found to be positive for the protein deficiency should inform close family members so they, too, may undergo testing. Early treatment can prevent or reduce symptoms.
Treatment includes supplemental oxygen, bronchodilators and inhaled steroids. Antibiotics may be given if bronchitis, pneumonia or influenza are also present. It is also important to get flu and pneumonia shots to reduce or prevent the chance of getting these illnesses. Rarely, surgery or lung transplants are recommend only as a last resort if other options do not work.
Many people experience improvement when enrolled in a pulmonary rehabilitation program. It is also important to quit smoking, as smoking will only worsen symptoms. Return to your pulmonologist. He or she will also be able to give you more information about other treatment options that may be beneficial to you. Box , Wickliffe, OH In the later stages, a person may have :. Learn more about late stage COPD here. These can resemble the symptoms of COPD and emphysema. A person should contact their doctor if they have any unusual symptoms or a high fever.
Generally, the stages are based on a combination of airflow limitation, symptoms, and exacerbations. A doctor can use a breathing test to measure lung capacity. The test measures the forced expiratory volume in 1 second FEV1.
The stages help describe the condition, but they cannot predict how long a person is likely to survive. In most cases, emphysema and COPD result from cigarette smoking. Other causes appear to be genetic factors, such as an alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, and exposure to environmental irritants, including secondhand smoke, workplace pollutants, air pollution, and biomass fuels.
People with small airways in proportion to their lung size may be more at risk than those with wider airways, according to a study.
In addition, not all people who smoke develop emphysema. It may be that genetic factors make some people more susceptible to the condition. Treatment cannot cure emphysema, but it can help:. The main medications for emphysema are inhaled bronchodilators , which can help relieve symptoms.
They relax and open the airways, making it easier for a person to breathe. If a person uses them regularly, these options can improve lung function and increase exercise capacity. There are short-acting and long-acting drugs, and people can combine them.
Treatment may also change over time and as the condition progresses. People can take steps to manage their symptoms, improve their quality of life, and slow the progression of emphysema. The sooner a person takes these steps, the more helpful they will be. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website.
All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.
Skip to main content. Home Lungs. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. Symptoms of emphysema Structure of the lungs Damaged airways and lungs Complications of emphysema Diagnosis of emphysema Treatment for emphysema Respiratory rehabilitation programs Oxygen treatment for emphysema Where to get help.
Symptoms of emphysema The symptoms of emphysema include: breathlessness with exertion, and eventually breathlessness most of the time in advanced disease susceptibility to chest infections cough with phlegm production fatigue barrel-shaped chest from expansion of the ribcage in order to accommodate enlarged lungs cyanosis a blue tinge to the skin due to lack of oxygen.
Structure of the lungs The lungs are sponge-like structures that lie within the chest, protected by the ribcage. Damaged airways and lungs After repeated exposure to chemical irritants, such as cigarette smoke, the air passages and air sacs of the lungs become inflamed and damaged. These changes result in: partial blockage of the passages carrying inhaled and exhaled breath reduced capacity for the lungs to extract the oxygen from inhaled air.
This means that the person has to breathe harder to get enough oxygen. Complications of emphysema Complications of emphysema can include: pneumonia — this is an infection of the alveoli and bronchioles.
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