How Is Emphysema Diagnosed?

Emphysema is defined as a chronic illness thatemphysema symptoms? Only your doctor can
results from the lung's tissue elasticity beingdefinitely diagnose the condition, but if you are
destroyed and the lung airspaces being enlarged.suffering from two or more of the following, then
It is a kind of COPD, chronic obstructiveyou should seriously consider going to see your
pulmonary disease, along with asthma and chronicphysician for possible emphysema treatment:.
bronchitis. Unfortunately, it can be fatal. As with allPersistent cough, dry or productive
the treatment of any health concern, emphysemaMorning cough
treatment begins with knowledge of the disease.Persistent, excessive sputum
Doctors diagnose the disease based on a groupWheezing
of emphysema symptoms that may differDyspnea after exercise
somewhat between patients. There are similaritiesA feeling of tightness in the chest
between asthma, chronic bronchitis andKeep in mind that if you smoke, emphysema
emphysema symptoms. Asthma and chronicsymptoms might not be noticeable in addition to
bronchitis treatments differ from emphysemathe other symptoms suffered as a result of
treatment, so doctors attempt to differentiatesmoking. It is advised you see your doctor if you
between the different types of COPD thatsmoke in case you need emphysema treatment
resemble each other.Know Your Numbers
Since dyspnea (shortness of breath) inDyspnea may be caused by airflow limitation, air
emphysema develops gradually, many patientstrapping, reduced CO2 diffusing capacity, and/or
with mild emphysema symptoms go undiagnosed.hyperinflation. Severity of lung obstruction is
They become accustomed to their shortness ofmeasured by spirometry, a non-invasive test
breath, or are embarrassed about their inability towhere the patient blows forcefully into a tube.
stop smoking, so they may not report dyspneaThe spirometer tallies two numbers: FEV1 and
to their doctor. It is imperative to receive as earlyFEV6.
a diagnosis of emphysema as possible to reduceVarious health agencies recommend spirometry
the rate of decreasing lung function, the mostfor all smokers over 45, and for anyone, whether
effective step being smoking cessation.they smoke or not, who has chronic cough,
If You Smokedyspnea on exertion, excessive sputum, or
Quitting smoking as part of emphysemawheezing.
treatment is enormously helpful in slowingOther Tests for Emphysema
progression of the illness, lessening emphysemaThe other non-invasive tests used to diagnose
symptoms and reducing acute episodes requiringand grade emphysema symptoms include:
hospitalization. Learning how important it is to quitConventional chest x-ray. Changes in lung tissue
smoking when one has emphysema, heightensare sometimes seen on chest x-rays of those
the motivation to quit smoking. The earlier oneundergoing emphysema treatment.
quits with emphysema, the better.HRCT (high-resolution computed tomography).
About 90% of those with emphysema areThis more accurate method of radiological imaging
smokers; 10% are non-smokers. Currently, 28%shows three-dimensional features of the interior
of American men smoke, and 23% of womenof the lungs. It is used to gauge the severity of
smoke. Every year, the percentage of Americansemphysema symptoms, and also used when
who smoke decreases, but the populationx-rays show lungs are normal when they aren't. It
increases. The number of Americans who smokehelps rule out other diseases, and can also be
is the same as in 1964 (about 53 million). Thereused to track the effectiveness of emphysema
are many former smokers among the largetreatment.
baby-boomer generation, which is nowClinical functional assessment, including a medical
middle-aged and elderly. Incidence of emphysemahistory.
is steadily increasing as a health problem in theThis article is for general information. Contact
U.S.your doctor with any questions about
When to See Your Doctoremphysema treatment, symptoms or any
How do you know your symptoms areinformation on lung health.