Pulmonary Emphysema : Symptoms and Causes

◉ what is emphysema ?

Emphysema is a chronic lung condition that causes shortness of breath due to the progressive destruction of the alveoli (air sacs in the lungs).

Normally, the alveoli are elastic, but in emphysema the inner walls of the air sacs weaken and rupture, creating larger air spaces instead of many smaller ones. This reduces the surface area of the lungs and, therefore, the amount of oxygen.

This condition belongs, along with chronic bronchitis, to a group of lung diseases known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Treatment can slow the progression of COPD, but it cannot reverse the damage.

It most often occurs in smokers or in people who regularly breathe in irritants.

◉ Causes and risk factors

The cause of emphysema is usually long-term exposure to irritants that damage your lungs and airways.

Smoking: the most common cause.
Long-term exposure to fumes, dust, wood smoke or industrial dust.
Genetic diseases: alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, genetic diseases of the connective tissue
Respiratory infections may also play a role.

As the inner walls of the alveoli deteriorate, the surface area of the lungs is reduced and it becomes more difficult for the lungs to get oxygen in and get carbon dioxide out of the body.

◉ Types of emphysema

Emphysema can be subdivided into 3 pathological types:

Centrilobular: Is the most common type and is usually associated with smoking (or more rarely pneumoconiosis).
Panlobular (panacinar): Usually resides in the lower half of the lungs and is typically found in α1-antitrypsin deficiency
Paraseptal: It is often associated with inflammatory processes, such as previous lung infections or • Or associated with spontaneous pneumothorax in a young adult.

◉ Symptoms of pulmonary emphysema

Due to the gradual onset of emphysema, one can have the disease for several years without noticing any signs or symptoms.

At first, a person may notice the symptoms during physical exertion. However, as the disease progresses Emphysema eventually causes shortness of breath even when you are at rest.

Depending on the stage of the disease and other factors, symptoms of emphysema may include:

Shortness of breath (dyspnea), especially during physical activity.
Chest pain.
Long lasting cough (which produces mucus)
Wheezing (pursed lips).
Chills, fever, fatigue, headache or stomach pain.
Fatigue
Decreased exercise tolerance
Sleep problems
Anxiety and depression
Constant feeling of not being able to get enough air
Bluish fingers and lips due to lack of oxygen in the blood

Note :

Symptoms of pulmonary emphysema may resemble other lung conditions
Some people with emphysema get frequent respiratory infections such as colds and flu
In severe cases, it can cause weight loss, weakness in lower muscles, and swelling in the ankles, feet, or legs.