Emphysema

Emphysema is a progressive lung disease that causes shortness of breath. It is also referred to as chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD).

Emphysema causes damage to the lung tissue and alveoli or tiny air sacs. Over time, this damage causes the tiny air sacs to break and create one big air pocket instead of small ones. When the air sacs break, the big air pockets trap stale air in the damaged tissue and this stops oxygen from easily moving into your blood stream. This makes it harder for you to breathe and for your body to get the oxygen it needs.

Key Facts About Emphysema

• Over three million people in the United States are living with emphysema.
• Emphysema can be caused by smoking, indoor and outdoor air pollution and by a genetic form of COPD called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
• Signs and symptoms of emphysema may take years to develop. The most common early warning signs are shortness of breath, coughing up mucus, wheezing and chest tightness.
• A healthcare provider will review your medical history, conduct a physical exam and diagnose emphysema using a lung function test called spirometry. Other procedures or tests may include chest X-rays, CT scan, pulse oximetry, arterial blood gas test and electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG).
• There is no cure for emphysema or COPD but treatments and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms.
• Qutting smoking is an important step to take to help manage your emphysema. Other lifestyle changes include staying up to date with your vaccines against infectious respiratory diseases like the flu and RSV, avoiding secondhand smoke, stay physically active, attending pulmonary rehabilitation and take care of your emotional health.
• Learn the signs and symptoms of a COPD flare-up or exacerbation. Have a COPD Action and Management Plan so you know the steps to take when your COPD is under control, your symptoms are getting worse and when you need immediate medical attention. 
• Treatments may include medication to take as needed or every day. A quick relief medication is taken as needed to relieve symptoms like shortness of breath or cough. An every day medication may help reduce swelling in the airways or prevent muscles in the airways from tightening.
• Other treatment options include supplemental oxygen prescribed by your healthcare provider to help increase the oxygen levels in your body. Non-surgical endobronchial valve therapy or EBV are valves placed in your airways to allow trapped air to escape. Lung volume reduction surgery can relieve pressure by removing a portion of diseased lung tissue or a lung transplant may be considered.

Visit our COPD section to learn more »