Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is a chronic, progressive disease caused by damage to the alveoli or small air sacs in the lung where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged and the result is air retention, low levels of oxygen in the blood (hypoxia), and increased levels of dioxide. Carbon in the blood (hypercapnia). Emphysema is associated with severe disability and is one of the causes of death around the world, in this report we learn about the symptoms of emphysema, according to the websitevery well health“.
Symptoms of emphysema
The symptoms of emphysema are numerous, and the disease primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other organs and systems, including the heart, muscles and circulation, as the disease progresses.
Depending on the stage of the disease and other factors, symptoms of emphysema may include:
-shortness of breath.
Persistent cough
Sputum production
Whistling
Frequent respiratory infections (including pneumonia)
Chest pain
Cyanosis (cyanosis of the fingers and lips due to lack of oxygen in the blood)
In addition to respiratory symptoms, emphysema can also lead to exercise intolerance and muscle atrophy.
The combination of decreased physical activity and chronic respiratory fatigue can promote the loss of lean muscle, particularly of core muscles – a condition that only exacerbates respiratory symptoms.
Finally, emphysema is characterized by what is known as exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These are the periods when symptoms worsen and require hospitalization. Exacerbations may develop due to infection, exposure to air pollution, wood smoke, or even perfumes.
People with emphysema are also at increased risk of lung cancer, according to research from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, COPD increases the risk of lung cancer by 200% to 500% compared to smokers without COPD.
If your COPD symptoms get worse, talk with your doctor about the possibility of lung cancer. Lung cancer is more curable when diagnosed in the early stages of the disease.
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