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Emphysema
CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE
Long-term disease where the walls of the lung's air sacs gradually break down
About
Tiny air sacs that make up the lungs expand and relax as you breath in and then out. Emphysema is a long-term disease where the walls between these air sacs are gradually destroyed. It can affect those exposed to harmful fumes, smoke, or dust. Symptom include shortness of breath, a constant phlegmy cough, wheezing and frequent chest infections.
Need to know
Those suffering from emphysema where the walls of the air sacs in the lungs break down include:
- increasing breathlessness even during minor activity such as climbing the stairs
- a persistent chesty cough with phlegm in smokers and non-smokers
- frequent chest infections
- persistent wheezing
If left the symptoms will get worse. There may also be sudden 'flare ups' of symptoms.
If your consultant suspects you have emphysema, based on your complaints, they may conduct one of the following:
- physical examination focusing on your breathing sounds, your heart and general physical appearance
- a chest X-ray
- a lung function test with a monitoring device
- a blood test to check your white blood cell count or if you have a history of genetic disease
- an arterial blood gas test to measure blood oxygen and carbon dioxide levels
The damage to the lungs caused by emphysema is permanent. Treatment can help slow down the diseases progress. What type of treatment depends on your own circumstances, but can include:
- help to stop smoking
- inhalers and medications to help make breathing easier
- pulmonary rehabilitation (a specialised programme of exercise and education)
- surgery or a lung transplant (a last resort for a very small number of people)
Our Emphysema locations
Lung Nodule Clinic
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.