Emphysema

Did you know?

• Emphysema is one of a group of lung diseases under the term COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
• COPD is the 5th biggest killer in the UK and Worldwide
• Over 80% of emphysema cases occur in smokers
• A high percentage of lung cancer patients also have emphysema
• An estimated 94% of 20-a-day smokers have some emphysema when the lungs are examined after death

Causes of emphysema

Emphysema is mainly caused by smoking and the associated toxins that are inhaled into the lungs. These toxins activate inflammatory cells within the lung that causes damage to the lung's structure. Inflammation swells the bronchioles (small airways of the lung) and activates enzymes that destroy lung tissue.

In some cases, a genetic disposition to emphysema is the cause. A rare genetic deficiency condition known as alpha 1-antitrypsin leaves the lungs susceptible to damage.

Emphysema can also be caused through natural ageing. As the lungs age, so elasticity decreases leading to the development of tensions that can result in small areas of emphysema.

Less common causes include intravenous drug use which can be toxic to the lungs or immune system deficiencies which cause inflammatory changes to the lungs. In underdeveloped countries, air pollution from kitchen stoves can result in lung damage.

Symptoms of emphysema

Symptoms of emphysema typically develop after 50 years of age and the condition is characterised by a shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing.

Breathlessness first develops during or after activity but as the disease worsens episodes become more frequent and shortness of breath occurs even when at rest.

Diagnosis of emphysema

A GP will make an initial assessment by asking about your symptoms. They will question you on how long the periods of breathlessness last and if anything makes them better or worse. They will also ask about the severity of your symptoms and if you are a smoker or are exposed to second-hand smoke or other toxic fumes. The GP will also ask if there is a family history of lung disease.

The GP will then perform a physical examination and listen to your chest and lungs. They will assess your respiratory rate and check for the shape of your chest cavity.

Further testing may be required to make an accurate diagnosis. Tests can include a pulmonary function test which identifies how much air the lungs can hold and the degree of airflow obstruction. You may also be sent for blood tests and a chest x-ray to rule out any other underlying problems.

Related Terms

• Alveoli
• Scar tissue
• Lung Irritation
• Incipient Lung Infections
• Shortness Of Breath
• Gasping For Breath
• Surgical Emphysema
• Lung Damage

Common Misspellings:

Emfasema, Enphysema, Emphisemia, Eephzemya, Empseyma, Emphzema, Emphasema, Emphasemia, Emphazema