Emphysema

Do you have emphysema?

Emphysema is caused by breakage of the alveoli causing reduced surface area of the lungs. Lung elasticity is also reduced in emphysema. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are part of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

There is no cure for emphysema and treatment is aimed at reducing symptoms. Patients are often referred to as “pink puffers.”

Signs and symptoms also include:

• shortness of breath (difficulties during exhaling but not inhaling)
• coughing
• exhaustion
• weight loss
• depression
• tachycardia

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Related Pages

• Medical disorders
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
  • Chronic Bronchitis
• Oral Health Care Considerations
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
• Guidelines
  • Adrenal Insufficiency

References/Websites

• References
  • Labaki WW, et al. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Ann Int Med. 2020;173(3):ITC17-ITC32.
• Websites
  • Basics about COPD. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. June 9, 2021
  • Bronchitis. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
  • Chronic Bronchitis. MedlinePlus. U.S. National Library of Medicine. June 16, 2021.
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. MedlinePlus. U.S. National Library of Medicine. June 23, 2021.
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
  • Emphysema. MedlinePlus. U.S. National Library of Medicine. June 16, 2021.
  • Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. 2020 GOLD Report.
  • Halpin D. GOLD COPD strategy: what’s new for 2021? Guidelines in practice. February 24, 2021.