Emphysema Symptoms

EMPHYSEMA

DESCRIPTION

A disorder affecting the alveoli of the lungs. The transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs takes place in the walls of the alveoli. In emphysema, the alveoli become abnormally inflated, damaging their walls and making it harder to breath

Symptoms –

Coughing or wheezing

Cough with mucus

Shortness of breath

Whistling sound while breathing

Tightness in your chest

Risk factors –

Smoking

Older age

Exposure to secondhand smoke

Exposure to indoor and outdoor pollution

Diagnosis and test –

Imaging test

Chest X-ray

Blood test

Lung function test

Treatment –

Medications

Therapy

Surgery