Emphysema is one of the chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD's). With this condition, tiny air sacs in both lungs gradually change into a form that reduces the amount of oxygen getting into the bloodstream. Other damaging effects alter the amount of air the patient can breath out. According to the Cedars Sinai Medical Center website, the early sign of emphysema is difficulty breathing when active. Symptoms usually become progressively worse over a number of years.
Difficulty Breathing
Breathing becomes increasingly difficult with emphysema. The patient may seem to struggle for breath, even when quietly sitting or lying down. Many patients elevate the heads of their beds because they cannot breathe when lying flat. Anxiety often accompanies this symptom.
Wheezing
Wheezing can occur when the person begins to exhale. The timing of the wheeze helps to differentiate the type or types of lung disease present.
Cough
A mild cough is often present with emphysema. This cough is frequent, and mucus or phlegm might come up into the patient's mouth.
Irregular Heart Rhythm
Patients with progressive emphysema frequently develop an irregular heart rhythm because not enough oxygen reaches the heart muscle.
Excessive Tiredness
Tiredness and frequent rest periods are often hallmarks of emphysema. Patients might have to divide activities into small tasks, allowing time to rest after mild exertion. People with emphysema may feel tired most of the time.
Weight Loss
Weight loss may be noted in progressive emphysema. This is mainly due to reduced appetite. Loss of muscle mass from decreased exercise tolerance also can be a factor in weight loss.
Frequent Bronchitis
Patients with emphysema might have frequent bouts with bronchitis. Sometimes one episode resolves but then another one soon follows, with increased coughing, congestion and feelings of being unwell.
Changes in Appearance
Further signs of progressive emphysema include clubbed fingers and a bluish or dark appearance to the skin. The chest might become more rounded, a condition sometimes referred to as barrel chest. The person might walk and sit with shoulders rounded and appear stooped when standing. He also might sit with his arms rounded far in front of him.
Breathing Changes
Rapid breathing might be noted in the emphysema patient. He might breathe through pursed lips in an attempt to inhale and exhale more easily.
Mental Status Changes
Another sign of the progression of emphysema is confusion. The patient may not know who he is, where he is or the correct year. This might be intermittent, with long periods of coherence between episodes of confusion.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Emphysema: Symptoms
- Cedars Sinai: Emphysema
- Medical-Surgical Nursing; Donna Ignatavicius, M.S., R.N. and Linda Workman, Ph.D., R.N.; 2002
