How Is Emphysema Diagnosed?

Emphysema is defined as a chronic illness that results from the lung's tissue elasticity being destroyed and the lung airspaces being enlarged. It is a kind of COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, along with asthma and chronic bronchitis. Unfortunately, it can be fatal. As with all the treatment of any health concern, emphysema treatment begins with knowledge of the disease.

Doctors diagnose the disease based on a group of emphysema symptoms that may differ somewhat between patients. There are similarities between asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema symptoms. Asthma and chronic bronchitis treatments differ from emphysema treatment, so doctors attempt to differentiate between the different types of COPD that resemble each other.

Since dyspnea (shortness of breath) in emphysema develops gradually, many patients with mild emphysema symptoms go undiagnosed. They become accustomed to their shortness of breath, or are embarrassed about their inability to stop smoking, so they may not report dyspnea to their doctor. It is imperative to receive as early a diagnosis of emphysema as possible to reduce the rate of decreasing lung function, the most effective step being smoking cessation.

If You Smoke

Quitting smoking as part of emphysema treatment is enormously helpful in slowing progression of the illness, lessening emphysema symptoms and reducing acute episodes requiring hospitalization. Learning how important it is to quit smoking when one has emphysema, heightens the motivation to quit smoking. The earlier one quits with emphysema, the better.

About 90% of those with emphysema are smokers; 10% are non-smokers. Currently, 28% of American men smoke, and 23% of women smoke. Every year, the percentage of Americans who smoke decreases, but the population increases. The number of Americans who smoke is the same as in 1964 (about 53 million). There are many former smokers among the large baby-boomer generation, which is now middle-aged and elderly. Incidence of emphysema is steadily increasing as a health problem in the U.S.

When to See Your Doctor

How do you know your symptoms are emphysema symptoms? Only your doctor can definitely diagnose the condition, but if you are suffering from two or more of the following, then you should seriously consider going to see your physician for possible emphysema treatment:

Persistent cough, dry or productive
Morning cough
Persistent, excessive sputum
Wheezing
Dyspnea after exercise
A feeling of tightness in the chest

Keep in mind that if you smoke, emphysema symptoms might not be noticeable in addition to the other symptoms suffered as a result of smoking. It is advised you see your doctor if you smoke in case you need emphysema treatment

Know Your Numbers

Dyspnea may be caused by airflow limitation, air trapping, reduced CO₂ diffusing capacity, and/or hyperinflation. Severity of lung obstruction is measured by spirometry, a non-invasive test where the patient blows forcefully into a tube. The spirometer tallies two numbers: FEV₁ and FEV₆.

Various health agencies recommend spirometry for all smokers over 45, and for anyone, whether they smoke or not, who has chronic cough, dyspnea on exertion, excessive sputum, or wheezing.

Other Tests for Emphysema

The other non-invasive tests used to diagnose and grade emphysema symptoms include:

Conventional chest x-ray. Changes in lung tissue are sometimes seen on chest x-rays of those undergoing emphysema treatment.

HRCT (high-resolution computed tomography). This more accurate method of radiological imaging shows three-dimensional features of the interior of the lungs. It is used to gauge the severity of emphysema symptoms, and also used when x-rays show lungs are normal when they aren't. It helps rule out other diseases, and can also be used to track the effectiveness of emphysema treatment.

Clinical functional assessment, including a medical history.

This article is for general information. Contact your doctor with any questions about emphysema treatment, symptoms or any information on lung health.