Emphysema doesn't happen overnight. It takes a number of years to develop. Even with a good physician, it is hard to diagnose in its early stages and early symptoms can be easily missed. Below are some of the signs and symptoms associated with emphysema.
- Breathing through pursed lips
- Shortness of breath on especailly upon physical activity or exertion
- Wheezing
- Fatigue
- Slight body build with marked weight loss
- Barrel chest
Emphysema can often be accompanied by chronic bronchitis. When the two occur together they are termed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The most common symptoms of chronic bronchitis are coughing and excess sputum.
A physician can diagnose emphysema based on your medical history, a physical exam, a chest X-ray, and a pulmonary function test, which is also referred to as spirometry. By the time emphysema is detected, however, over half of your lung tissue may already be damaged. When this happens, treatments used by your physician may include:
- A stop smoking program
- Avoiding secondhand smoke
- Avoiding dust, fumes, pollutants, and other irritating substances
- Physical therapy is used to help loosen mucus in your lungs
- Daily physical exercise
- A modified diet which includes all of the essential nutrients
- Prescription medications which may include bronchodilators, steroids, and antibiotics
- Yearly flu vaccinations
- A pneumonia vaccination as recommended by your physician
- Supplemental oxygen as needed
Emphysema is permanent. There is no cure, but with proper treatment it can be controlled and the damage limited to that damage already done. It is for this reason that it is important to follow your physician's advice and take an active part in your own treatment program.
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