The
Different Stages of Emphysema
When a person comes down with
emphysema it is usually from a long history of smoking or inhaling
dangerous chemical fumes. If you suffer from emphysema you probably
experience symptoms such as a mild chronic cough, fatigue, weight
loss, shortness of breath and the inability to do overly strenuous
activities. Although there are treatments that can help control
some emphysema symptoms, the disease is degenerative. There are
four stages of emphysema: at-risk, mild emphysema, moderate emphysema
and severe emphysema.
By performing a breathing test known as spirometry, your doctor
can measure how well your lungs work. Once the test is performed
your doctor will tell you which of these stages of emphysema you
fall into:
- At-risk—if your doctor determines
you are “at-risk” then your test came back normal.
Usually those who are at risk are classified as such because
they have a chronic cough or produce excess amounts of mucus.
- Mild emphysema—you fall under this
stage if your test shows you have a mild airflow limitation.
Like those at-risk, you also have a chronic cough and sputum
production. Although your airflow is reduced, it is still early
and possibly unnoticeable.
- Moderate emphysema—in the stages of
emphysema, this is when your breathing problems become a lot
more noticeable. Airflow limitation is worsening. Your symptoms
have increased, meaning that you easily are short of breath
while you walk or do exercise. Usually those who didn’t
know they were ill will seek medical assistance.
- Severe emphysema—at this point the
breathing test will show severe airflow limitation. Out of all
the stages of emphysema, this is the worst and symptoms are
at an all time high. Sufferers will run out of breath after
very little activity and signs of heart failure may even arise.
Death is possible.
It is vital that you keep in close contact
with a physician so she can determine where in the stages of emphysema
you fall. She will provide you with the right amount of treatment
to control your symptoms and give you relief.
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