Most people are unaware that they’re showing signs of emphysema simply because it can be mistaken for symptoms of other condition as well as their subtle nature. Emphysema is a respiratory condition that belongs in the group called Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD.) Emphysema is characterized by the increase in size of the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs that would eventually bring about enlargement and eventual damage. Because the exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen happens in the alveoli, individuals suffering from emphysema have problems in expelling their “air” which brings about carbon dioxide build up in the body.
At present, Emphysema doesn’t have definite cure. Therefore, being familiar with the signs of emphysema for early detection, prevention and treatment is needed. Here are a few of the symptoms to take into consideration:
. Difficulty breathing- A major sign of emphysema is dyspnea or shortness of breath.
. Wheezing- It is common for patients suffering from emphysema to experience wheezing. Having said that it is crucial that you observe when the wheezing happens. Wheezing at the outset of expiration could be attributed to emphysema while wheezing at the end of expiration is generally an indication of bronchitis.
. Persistent Cough With Mucus or Without Mucus- A cough that seems to be prolonged either non- productive or productive may be associated with history of cigarette smoking and is one of the most common signs of emphysema
. Increased rate of respiration- Also one of the common signs of emphysema is, tachypnea or rapid breathing that goes beyond the normal respiration rate which is 20 breaths per minute.
. Weight Loss Due to Loss of Appetite- Anorexia or loss of appetite sooner or later happens which brings about significant drop in the patient’s weight.
. Low Threshold to Exercise – As emphysema progresses, patients usually experience a decrease in the capacity to perform physical activities.
. Barrel Chest- As a result of the over-inflated lungs, the chest assumes a barrel-like appearance that is round and protruding and is usually noticeable in the later stages of emphysema.
Typically, the signs of emphysema are similar to that of asthma. The difference may be identified by observing the effects after taking asthma medications as prescribed by the physician. After that you can conclude if it’s asthma or emphysema you are suffering from after the medications have taken effect. This is because asthma medications will not be effective on treating the symptoms of emphysema.
Over time, emphysema will also have an effect on the brain, because there’s less oxygen supplied in the brain via the bloodstream. This leads to becoming easily irritated, grumpiness and decline on mental ability. High carbon dioxide levels in the blood, on the other hand will cause sleeplessness. Such mental states and conditions are also signs of emphysema.
In case you are encountering any signs of emphysema talked about in this post, seek assistance from your doctor right away.