These are the most common signs and symptoms of emphysema that you should be aware of:
• Shortness of breath- A major sign of emphysema is dyspnea also known as shortness of breath.
• Wheezing- Wheezing or a whistling sound upon respiration is common for patients suffering from emphysema. Although not painful, it is important to take note of when the wheezing happens. Wheezing at the beginning of expiration can be due to emphysema while wheezing at the end of expiration is usually only a sign of bronchitis (which is a less serious condition).
• Dry/productive cough that is prolonged- A cough that seems to be prolonged whether it is non- productive or productive could be related to a history of tobacco use and is also one of the most common signs of emphysema.
• Rapid Bbreathing- The medical term, tachypnea, is synonymous with rapid breathing and is also one of the common signs of emphysema.
• Gradual weight loss- Along with most other conditions that are part of the chornic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), anorexia, the medical term for loss of appetite, ultimately happens.
• Low tolerance to physical exercise – As emphysema progresses, individuals typically experience a reduction in the capability to take part in physical activities.
• Increased diameter of the wall of the chest also known as barrel chest- During the later stages of emphysema, the chest assumes a barrel-like appearance, which is often described as round and bulging.
Usually, the symptoms of asthma are similar to the signs of emphysema. You are able to identify the difference if you take asthma medications as recommended by your doctor and then, monitoring the effects of the medication. The moment the medication takes effect, you’ll be able to determine if you are suffering from asthma or emphysema. This is simply becausepeople with emphysema won’t respond to the asthma medication.