rewrite this title The 5 Most Common Signs of Emphysema

Emphysema is a chronic lung disease that occurs when the air sacs in the lungs (called the alveoli) can no longer inflate and deflate to pump air in and out of the lungs as they should. Many people don’t experience symptoms in the early stages, but as the condition progresses, you may experience shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and fatigue.

Because the lung damage with emphysema is permanent, symptoms do not improve with time. Your symptoms may also flare up after encountering certain lung irritants or developing a lung infection.

Emphysema is also one of the main conditions that make up chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), so it’s important to seek care for your symptoms early to lower your risk of complications.

Emphysema symptoms can differ by person, but common symptoms may include:

Persistent cough, often with mucus
Shortness of breath that worsens with physical activity
Wheezing
Chest tightness
Fatigue

Healthcare providers may diagnose COPD in stages based on how impaired your breathing is or how much phlegm is in your cough.

You may also be diagnosed with pre-COPD, which occurs when you have some symptoms of COPD without trouble breathing. If you have pre-COPD and later develop emphysema, symptoms can depend on which stage you’re in and how fast it’s progressing.

Early-Stage Symptoms

Many people don’t know they have emphysema in its early stages because the lungs do not usually need to function at 100%. Even if the lungs don’t work as well as they used to, people with early-stage COPD may not notice a difference in their breathing.

Minor symptoms of emphysema may resemble asthma. Smoking is the leading risk factor for emphysema, so people experiencing a persistent wet cough may dismiss it as a typical smoker’s cough. This may hinder you from seeking care from your provider.

There are several early warning signs of emphysema you should pay attention to, including:

Coughing with mucusIncrease in respiratory infections, such as the cold, flu, or pneumoniaTrouble breathing during physical activity

Later-Stage Symptoms

As emphysema progresses, symptoms worsen and begin to reduce quality of life. The lungs can no longer pump enough oxygen to the body. The heart and other organs then try to compensate, which can weaken them and lead to other health conditions. 

The primary symptom of later-stage emphysema is worsening shortness of breath. You may have trouble breathing during minor daily tasks or, eventually, while at rest. Other symptoms of late-stage emphysema can include:

Pursing the lips while breathingMorning headachesUnexpected weight lossMuscle weaknessBulging of the chest (becoming “barrel-shaped”)Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet

Many people with emphysema also have a higher risk of developing other health conditions alongside COPD as their condition progresses, including heart disease, osteoporosis, and mental health conditions.

If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of emphysema and another co-occurring condition, it’s important to seek care from your provider right away for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Emphysema is not contagious, so you cannot spread it to another person.

Emphysema symptoms can worsen due to frequent respiratory and lung infections (such as the cold or flu). These infections are contagious, so it’s a good idea to cover your mouth while coughing, wash your hands frequently, and isolate to prevent spreading the illness to others.

Symptoms of emphysema are a cause for concern, so it’s essential to make an appointment with a healthcare provider if you have a new or worsening cough, trouble breathing, or chest tightness that does not go away within a few days.

Emphysema flare-ups can be serious and even life-threatening if not treated right away. If you have these severe signs of an emphysema flare-up, seek urgent medical care: 

Inability to catch your breathRacing heartFingernails or lips turning blueConfusion

Emphysema is a serious lung disease that occurs when your lungs become damaged and cannot send enough oxygen to your body.

Early on, you may not notice symptoms of emphysema. When symptoms do appear, they often include shortness of breath, a cough with phlegm, and a wheezing sound when you exhale.

If you have symptoms, it’s important to get an accurate emphysema diagnosis and start treatment as soon as possible to prevent further lung damage.