What Are the Symptoms Associated With Emphysema?

The symptoms of emphysema develop over many years and become progressively worse as the disease process accelerates. Initial symptoms include chronic coughing, which may be worse upon awakening, increased production of mucus (which is actually a symptom of chronic bronchitis) resulting in a frequent need to clear the throat, and shortness of breath. In the beginning, people who have emphysema may notice that they fatigue easily with physical exercise (stair climbing, walking).

As the disease progresses, shortness of breath may be present at rest. The incidence of colds and upper respiratory infections may increase, since the lungs are slowly losing their ability to function effectively. Some people with emphysema develop bodily changes; their chest begins to take on a "barrel-like" appearance as the lungs compensate for the loss of functioning tissue by expanding. Others develop a bluish color of the lips and nail beds, resulting from chronically low levels of oxygen in the blood. Some people with emphysema will develop heart failure that may lead to swelling in the lower extremities and increased fluid in the lungs.

How is emphysema diagnosed?

Many people ignore the initial symptoms of emphysema and seek medical treatment only after the disease functionally limits them. In order for your physician to make a diagnosis of emphysema a series of tests likely will be scheduled. These tests not only assist in making the diagnosis, but also help determine how far the disease has progressed. These tests may include:

• Pulmonary function testing. Also referred to as PFTs, pulmonary function tests are used to determine several characteristics and capabilities of your lungs. They can be performed in a physician's office or laboratory and will measure the following:



1. Total lung capacity. This is the amount of air your lungs are capable of holding.



2. Forced expiratory volume. This test measures the force of the air you can blow out of your lungs.

• Pulse oximetry. This non-invasive test involves placing a lighted clip on your finger or toe to indirectly measure the amount of oxygen in your blood.

• Arterial blood gas. This is a blood test that tells how well your body is getting oxygen and how effectively the lungs can remove carbon dioxide.

• Chest x-ray. Changes in the lungs may not be noticed on x-ray findings in the early stages of emphysema. Over time, as the disease worsens, there are several visible changes that appear on the chest x-ray.

Related Articles How Is Emphysema Treated? What is Emphysema?

External Source American Lung Association

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.

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