The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Skip to main content. Home Lungs. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. Symptoms of emphysema Structure of the lungs Damaged airways and lungs Complications of emphysema Diagnosis of emphysema Treatment for emphysema Respiratory rehabilitation programs Oxygen treatment for emphysema Where to get help.
Symptoms of emphysema The symptoms of emphysema include: breathlessness with exertion, and eventually breathlessness most of the time in advanced disease susceptibility to chest infections cough with phlegm production fatigue barrel-shaped chest from expansion of the ribcage in order to accommodate enlarged lungs cyanosis a blue tinge to the skin due to lack of oxygen. Structure of the lungs The lungs are sponge-like structures that lie within the chest, protected by the ribcage.
Damaged airways and lungs After repeated exposure to chemical irritants, such as cigarette smoke, the air passages and air sacs of the lungs become inflamed and damaged.
These changes result in: partial blockage of the passages carrying inhaled and exhaled breath reduced capacity for the lungs to extract the oxygen from inhaled air. This means that the person has to breathe harder to get enough oxygen. Complications of emphysema Complications of emphysema can include: pneumonia — this is an infection of the alveoli and bronchioles.
People with emphysema are more prone to pneumonia collapsed lung — some lungs develop large air pockets bullae , which may burst, resulting in lung deflation also called pneumothorax heart problems — damaged alveoli, reduced number of capillaries and lower oxygen levels in the blood stream may mean that the heart has to pump harder to move blood through the lungs. Over time, this can place considerable strain on the heart. Diagnosis of emphysema Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including emphysema, is diagnosed mainly using a lung function test called spirometry.
Other tests that may help in diagnosis of emphysema include: other lung function or breathing tests chest x-rays CT scans. Treatment for emphysema There is no cure for emphysema, although it is treatable.
Management includes: stopping smoking immediately and completely — this is the most effective treatment for COPD and emphysema avoiding other air pollutants respiratory pulmonary rehabilitation programs oxygen treatment, in advanced cases medications such as anti-inflammatory medications medicine to widen the airways bronchodilators and loosen the phlegm antibiotics stress management techniques gentle, regular exercise to improve overall fitness influenza vaccination yearly and pneumococcal vaccination to protect against certain types of respiratory infection.
These programs: provide information and education on emphysema introduce people to a supervised exercise program proven to improve emphysema symptoms improve lung function through specific breathing exercises teach stress management techniques offer advice on adapting to life with emphysema provide emotional support through shared experiences.
Oxygen treatment for emphysema If a person with emphysema is found to have exceptionally low levels of oxygen in their blood, they will be given oxygen to use at home. Treatment cannot cure emphysema, but it can help:. The main medications for emphysema are inhaled bronchodilators , which can help relieve symptoms.
They relax and open the airways, making it easier for a person to breathe. If a person uses them regularly, these options can improve lung function and increase exercise capacity. There are short-acting and long-acting drugs, and people can combine them.
Treatment may also change over time and as the condition progresses. People can take steps to manage their symptoms, improve their quality of life, and slow the progression of emphysema.
The sooner a person takes these steps, the more helpful they will be. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program of care that encourages people with emphysema to learn about and manage their condition. There is a focus on developing and maintaining healthful lifestyle choices. Making these changes may not alter the overall course of the condition, but it can help people manage the symptoms, improve their exercise capacity, and boost their quality of life. People should also ensure that they meet with their healthcare provider regularly and receive their routine vaccinations, including those for flu and pneumonia.
In time, breathing can become more difficult, and a person may need oxygen therapy some or all of the time. Some people use oxygen overnight, for example. Various devices are available, including large tanks for home use and portable oxygen kits for traveling. People with severe emphysema may sometimes need to undergo surgery to remove damaged lung tissue and reduce large spaces that develop in the lungs due to the condition. However, there are some risks involved, such as the chance of infection.
A healthcare provider will help the person decide whether or not surgery is a good idea for them. Other treatment options can help during a flare-up or if complications arise. These options may include:. The outlook for a person with emphysema will depend on individual factors and how well they manage their condition. It takes several years to progress to the final stages of COPD or emphysema, but lifestyle factors play a role.
Quitting smoking can significantly improve the outlook. Research suggests that for those who have never smoked, COPD will modestly reduce their life span. People who do smoke, however, can expect their life span to be significantly shorter. Taking lifestyle measures to manage the condition can help a person maintain a good quality of life for longer. How does COPD affect life expectancy? Learn more here. Emphysema is a type of COPD, and there are different types of emphysema, depending on which part of the lungs it affects.
Emphysema is one of the most preventable respiratory illnesses because it is so strongly linked to smoking. Air pollutants, an alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, and respiratory infections can also play a role, but smoking is considered the number one cause. Signs and symptoms of emphysema take years to develop, but once they start, they generally include shortness of breath, coughing with mucus, wheezing and chest tightness.
Several tests are needed to diagnose emphysema including chest X-rays, pulse oximetry, spirometry and pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gas test and electrocardiogram ECG. Though emphysema cannot be cured, many treatments are available to help manage symptoms.
Bronchodilator medications relax the muscles, anti-inflammatory medication can reduce airway inflammation, oxygen therapy can assist patients who need help breathing. In extreme situations, lung volume reduction surgery can relieve pressure by removing a portion of diseased lung tissue.
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