Emphysema

[contentuser]

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of emphysema vary from mild to severe and include shortness of breath (dyspnea), cough, and difficulty breathing upon exertion (e.g., exercise). Emphysema is a chronic (long lasting), progressive condition, which means the symptoms usually worsen over time.

Because the onset of the disease is gradual, many cases are not diagnosed until irreversible damage has occurred. Episodes of worsening symptoms (called exacerbations) are common in patients who have emphyse...Read the full article