What You Should Know About Signs of Emphysema

Signs of Emphysema

 Most people are not aware that they're showing signs of emphysema simply because it can be mistaken for symptoms of other disorder as well as their subtle nature. Emphysema is part of a larger group of lung diseases known as chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). These diseases are accountable for damaging the air sacs of the lungs which cause its expansion and eventual burst. Individuals suffering from emphysema cannot expel the air in the lungs efficiently which leads to accumulation of carbon dioxide in the body since the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide take place in the alveoli.

At present, Emphysema has no definite cure. Nonetheless, being aware of the signs of emphysema for early detection and prevention can help to stop the disease from advancing. The following symptoms are as follows:

1.    Difficulty breathing
Dyspnea or shortness of breath is one major sign of emphysema

2.    Rapid Breathing
The medical term, tachypnea, is synonymous to rapid breathing and it is also one of the common signs of emphysema.

3.    Wheezing
Wheezing or a whistling sound upon respiration is common for patients suffering from emphysema. However the occurrence of wheezing must be taken note of. Emphysema could be linked to the presence of wheeze upon the beginning of expiration while bronchitis is usually associated with wheezing that is heard at the end of expiration.

4.    Productive/Dry cough that's Prolonged
A persistent or chronic cough, which is either with mucus (productive cough) or without mucus (non-productive cough), is one of the typical signs of emphysema caused by a history of smoking cigarettes.

5.    Weight Loss Due to Loss of Appetite
Along with other diseases that are part of the COPD, anorexia, the medical term for loss of appetite, ultimately occurs.

6.    Reduced Exercise Tolerance
Individuals gets easily tired when performing activities as the condition progresses.

7.    Barrel Chest
During the later stages of emphysema, the chest assumes a barrel-like appearance, which is usually described as round and protruding.

Signs of Emphysema

Usually, the symptoms of asthma are similar to signs of emphysema. The difference may be determined by observing the effects after using  asthma medications as given by the doctor. The moment it takes effect, you can determine if you are being affected by asthma or emphysema. It is because asthma medications won't be effective on managing the symptoms of emphysema.

With time, emphysema also affects the brain, because there is less oxygen supplied in the brain via the bloodstream. This leads to irritability, grumpiness and mental capacity decline. On the other hand, increase in carbon dioxide levels in the blood brings about  headaches and sleeping disorders. These kinds of mental conditions may also be regarded as possible signs of emphysema.