As reported by the American Lung Association, about 3.7 million Americans have been diagnosed with emphysema over time. Emphysema is a disease where the little air sacs in the lungs called alveoli are gradually destroyed, leaving areas of nonfunctioning lung tissue. The changes in the lungs make it difficult to get the oxygen from the lungs into the bloodstream. Emphysema can lead to the progressive lung disease called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. Smoking is the cause of the majority of the cases of emphysema.
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is often one of the first symptoms of emphysema. This condition is called dyspnea. Shortness of breath tends to worsen with varying amounts of exercise or exertion. The sensation of shortness of breath is a result of overinflation of the lungs, according to PDR Health.
Cough
A chronic cough is also an early symptom of emphysema as well. According to The Merck Manual, the cough starts when the person first gets out of bed in the morning. Clear sputum may also be associated with the cough; if the person develops a lung infection, the sputum may change to a yellow or green color.
Wheezing
Wheezing can be a sign of several different lung problems, such as asthma or infections, but it can be an early symptom of emphysema as well. Wheezing is a high-pitched, whistling noise that can be heard when the person breathes out but also can be heard when the person inhales.
Fatigue
Because of the difficulty with breathing and the lack of oxygen that this may cause, a person with emphysema may experience a sense of fatigue, according to the Mayo Clinic. The fatigue may also relate to the shortness of breath in that it takes more work to get enough oxygen into the body.
Loss of Appetite
Another sign of emphysema may be a loss of appetite that may lead to weight loss. The shortness of breath may make it difficult for the patient to eat. People with emphysema tend to be thin, as noted on the PDR Health website.
