Take the Emphysema Quiz

Cigarette smoking is the cause in about 9 in 10 people with emphysema. Other factors that may contribute to emphysema include air pollution, fumes, and dust in the workplace.

At first, shortness of breath occurs during activity. As the disease gets worse, the person has shortness of breath all the time.

In emphysema, the tiny, elastic air sacs of the lung (alveoli) are permanently damaged. The smallest air passages (bronchioles) are also damaged. Air continues to get into alveoli when the lungs expand during inhalation, but it is trapped when the person exhales. The lungs then contain too much air (are hyperexpanded). When there is too much air in the lungs, it is much harder to breathe.

The decline is so gradual in healthy nonsmokers that you won't notice it. But the decline in smokers is very fast and can be noticed. If a smoker quits before emphysema develops, the decline levels off until it is nearly normal for the person's age.

Emphysema and other forms of COPD make the heart work harder. People with emphysema get tired easily. They may have chest pains and feel their heart beat very fast (palpitations). Low oxygen levels also affect the brain, causing headaches, sleep problems, and irritability.

A person with emphysema or other forms of COPD may have an enlarged heart because of damaged lungs. They may develop swelling of the ankles, legs, and belly (abdomen). Because of poor oxygen supply, they may have a bluish tinge to skin, lips, and nails.

You should get a yearly flu shot. Also talk with your healthcare provider about the pneumonia vaccine. Complications of the flu and pneumonia can be very serious and even fatal in a person with COPD.

A chest X-ray can show changes that suggest emphysema. But so can other tests, like CT scans or pulmonary function tests. Your healthcare provider will also ask you about your symptoms and health history.