Since emphysema is usually the result of a lung disease that has already lasted for a long time, pronounced symptoms are apparent. Typical is shortness of breath, which initially occurs only during exertion, later also at rest. Coughing may be present, but need not be.
Due to the increased work of breathing, which is noticeable through an increased breathing frequency and breathing noises, the chest takes on a barrel-like shape. Because there is no longer enough oxygen in the blood, patients have cyanosis (blue coloration of lips, nails and mucous membranes). They lose weight and muscle mass and are susceptible to infection.
Heart failure as a result of emphysema.
Destruction of the tissue also destroys blood vessels, resulting in an increase in pressure in the pulmonary circulation. The right ventricle must pump more and therefore becomes increasingly thickened. At some point, the heart muscle can no longer handle the strain, becomes flabby and large, and blood backs up into the systemic circulation.
This right-sided heart failure (cor pulmonale) leads to leg edema, abdominal dropsy, and blood stasis in the liver and stomach, among other symptoms.
How is the diagnosis made?
In addition to medical history and symptoms, changes that the physician can hear when tapping and listening to the lungs are typical. Important not only for diagnosis but also for therapy is a lung function test (spirometry). The distended lungs can be easily seen on an x-ray or computed tomography scan of the chest.
