Emphysema is a common lung disease that affects more than 3 million US adults. It typically affects smokers, but can also impact those who work in environments where they’re regularly exposed to airborne irritants, such as chemicals and coal dust.
Without treatment, emphysema progresses, causing permanent lung damage. However, if it’s caught early, you can take steps to protect your lungs.
At Himalaya Family Medicine Clinic in Aurora, Colorado, our team specializes in treating emphysema. This blog highlights some of its most common symptoms, so you can identify them early and protect your respiratory health.
Emphysema, a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), occurs when thin, fragile air sacs in the lungs (alveoli) are damaged, reducing the surface area available for oxygen exchange. That makes it harder for air to reach the lungs, affecting the ability to breathe.
Emphysema is a progressive disease, meaning lung damage worsens over time. The good news is that it’s easier to manage if you detect symptoms early. Here are telltale signs to watch for:
Everyone gets short of breath during strenuous exercise or manual labor, such as working in the yard. But if you get winded during daily activities such as climbing stairs, carrying groceries, or vacuuming, it’s important to find out why, especially if you’re a current or former smoker.
If your lungs become irritated or damaged, inflammation can develop, making it harder to clear mucus from your airways.
It’s normal to have a cough if you catch a cold or get something stuck in your throat. However, a persistent cough that lasts for weeks or months isn’t something to ignore.
Respiratory infections, such as colds, flu, and COVID-19, are prevalent; US adults catch 2-4 respiratory infections per year.
Because emphysema damages the lungs, it’s easier for harmful bacteria and viruses to invade. As a result, many people with emphysema contract more serious infections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia. These often take longer to clear and can keep you from activities you enjoy.
Exhaustion is a frequent side effect of a busy schedule or an intense travel itinerary, but it typically improves once you get back to your routine. With emphysema, fatigue is ongoing. Your lungs work harder to breathe, and the rest of your body suffers due to a lack of oxygen.
Do you hear a wheezing sound when you breathe? What about chest tightness? If you experience either of these symptoms regularly, don’t wait to seek professional care. Both are common indicators of emphysema and often worsen without treatment.
If you experience any of the above symptoms, and they don’t improve with rest or at-home care, contact us to make an appointment. Call us at 303-351-1800 or book a visit online today.
After a physical exam, X-rays, and lab testing, we can determine the cause and personalize treatment recommendations. Remember that early detection is crucial. Prompt diagnosis can reduce the severity of lung damage and make it easier to manage your symptoms.
